Comprehensive Evaluation

HLC conducts comprehensive evaluations of member institutions to confirm that the institution continues to meet the Criteria for Accreditation, is pursuing institutional improvement, and complies with requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education. Evaluations are conducted by teams of peer reviewers.

The evaluation that occurs in the final year of each pathway cycle – Year 10 for the Open Pathway – includes an action regarding the reaffirmation of accreditation.

Components of a Comprehensive Evaluation

For all institutions, a comprehensive evaluation includes the following components:

• Submission and review of institutional materials demonstrating compliance with HLC's Criteria for Accreditation 
• Federal Compliance Review
• Student Opinion Survey
• On-site peer review visit
• Multi-campus visit