Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accreditation
Illinois State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has begun the process of seeking reaccreditation in 2025.
Accreditation with HLC, one of six accreditors in the U.S., is a voluntary process that provides assurances to the public, in particular to prospective students, that an institution meets clearly stated requirements and criteria and is engaged in continuous improvement.
Pathways for Reaffirmation of Accreditation
Illinois State University is committed to the highest quality education and considers the reaffirmation process an important opportunity for critical self-analysis leading to improvement of its programs and services. Illinois State is participating in HLC’s Open Pathways process for accreditation, which follows a 10-year cycle and is focused on quality assurance and institutional improvement.
HLC accreditation provides public assurance that an institution is dedicated to maintaining high-quality standards. It publicly certifies that the institution meets a defined set of quality benchmarks, which apply to all educational institutions or programs under its purview. This accreditation offers both an opportunity and an incentive for the institution to continually improve. The process of accreditation involves making improvements based on input and consultation from experienced evaluators. Additionally, being accredited by HLC grants the institution access to federal and state funding, including Title IV student financial aid.
The Accreditation Steering Committee and work team members representing all University areas have begun the process of compiling supporting documents that reflect the University’s outstanding work in the areas of institutional mission, ethical and responsible conduct, teaching and learning practices, institutional resources and planning, and compliance issues.
A final report will be submitted to the Higher Learning Commission prior to an accreditation site visit by HLC reviewers in October 2024. A final accreditation report by HLC will be delivered in 2025.
Checkout an overview of the complete timeline
- Top five reasons you should care about reaccreditation.
- Taking a closer look - HLC Criterion 1 - Mission.
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Taking a closer look – HLC Criterion 2 – Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct
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Taking a closer look – HLC Criterion 3 – Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources, and Support
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Taking a closer look – HLC Criterion 4 – Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement
Accreditation and Its Value to You
Learn more about what the Council for Higher Education Accreditation says about accreditation.
Accreditations and Affiliations
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This website provides information to the campus community and general public regarding the ongoing status of this critical initiative.
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