Higher Learning Commission

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is one of the most recognized accreditation organizations throughout specific parts of the United States. While they are not a national or international accreditation body, they do accredit schools that fall within the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Higher Learning Commission provides accreditation to 19 different states that allows the HLC to identify, specify and respond to changes within those geographic areas with respect to setting standards and reviewing applications for continuing or initial accreditation.

Fully recognized by the Council on Higher Learning and the United States Department of Education, accreditation through the HLC means that the school or program will allow the students in the program to receive federal funding for their education. It also ensures students and prospective students that the institute or program meets or exceeds the learning, educational and professional standards outlined in the standards of practice developed and maintained by the HLC. These standards are constantly reviewed by the HLC board, which consists of public members, professionals in the field of higher learning and education, as well as members of industry and business.

HLC provides accreditation to postsecondary schools and programs that wish to become voluntarily accredited. This process requires both commitment as well as an ongoing effort to ensure that the program meets all standards. The accreditation process has many steps, many which include intensive self evaluation by the institute or program, a development of an ongoing accreditation and professional improvement plan for the school or program as well as the staff and students and a formal report. After this is completed a peer review follows, then either approval of the accreditation or denial. Schools or programs that are not accepted for accreditation have the opportunity to correct deficiencies or work with the HLC to bring the program or school up to standards and then re-apply.

In 1999 the Academic Quality Improvement Program was implemented by the HLC as a way for those schools or programs that are already accredited to meet the requirements of ongoing accreditation. The AQIP focus is to help educational institutes to constantly evaluate their progress and outcomes and to work in a culture that develops a lifelong emphasis on education and a learning culture throughout the institute. This program has been recognized as an excellent alternative to a specific accreditation report and has been highly effective in focusing schools and programs on continuing to improve students learning, performance outcomes and fosters a culture that is committed to constant improvement within the facility. More information about both the HLC and the AQIP program can be found at http://www.ncahlc.org/.