Higher Learning Commission

Higher Learning Commission

Accreds degree-granting colleges and universities

Overview

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent organization that accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the North Central region of the United States, covering 19 states. It evaluates and approves the quality and standards of these institutions through a formal accreditation process that includes self-study, peer review, and site visits, and it requires ongoing compliance to maintain accreditation. Compared with other accrediting bodies, HLC is one of six regional accreditors and focuses on the North Central region, providing region-specific standards and evaluations rather than national ones. Its goal is to help ensure the reliability, quality, and integrity of higher education by granting accreditation that is widely recognized by students, employers, and governments.

About Higher Learning Commission

Simplify's Rating
Why Higher Learning Commission is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Education

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Chicago, Illinois

Founded

1895

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • HLC adopted 2026–27 dues, funding modernization after June 2026 board action.
  • The College Transparency Act endorsement aligns HLC with outcomes-focused accountability.
  • Federal rules on Workforce Pell and STATS increase demand for HLC compliance expertise.

What critics are saying

  • DOE's AIM rulemaking demands prescriptive transfer-credit and outcomes standards by 2026.
  • HLC's revised Federal Compliance Requirements take effect September 1, 2026, forcing rapid implementation.
  • If federal recognition weakens, HLC's accreditor role becomes structurally less relevant.

What makes Higher Learning Commission unique

  • HLC accredits 19-state institutions with revised Criteria effective September 1, 2025.
  • Its 2025 standards removed subcomponents and merged teaching-learning criteria, simplifying review.
  • HLC now offers self-serve Canopy accreditation workflows and alternate Year 4 reviews.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

401(k) Retirement Plan

Remote Work Options

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Company News

PR Newswire
Jun 9th, 2025
Apus Appoints Dr. Nicholas Wernicki As New Dean For The School Of Arts, Humanities, And Education

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American Public University System (APUS) has named Dr. Nicholas Wernicki the Dean of its Arts, Humanities, and Education School, effective as of May 22. Dr. Wernicki brings extensive academic leadership and workforce development experience to this role, and the University is excited to have him join its Academic Senior Leadership Team

PR Newswire
Apr 30th, 2025
Apus Honors Students For Academic Excellence

First Quarter 2025 President's List Announced. CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating students for their outstanding academic accomplishments, American Public University System (APUS), which includes American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), proudly announces its President's List for the first quarter of 2025. This prestigious academic honor – the highest at the University – is reserved for students who earn a 4.0 cumulative GPA, showcasing their commitment to academic success. The full list is available at: https://www.apu.apus.edu/academic/academic-leadership/presidents-list/

PR Newswire
Mar 6th, 2025
American Public Education Reports Fourth Quarter And Full Year 2024 Financial Results

Net Income Adjusted EBITDA Exceeded Guidance, Driven by Improvement in APUS, Rasmussen and Hondros College of Nursing Segments. CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI), a portfolio of education companies providing online and campus-based postsecondary education and career learning to over 125,000 students through four subsidiary institutions, has reported unaudited financial and operational results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024. Key Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights Consolidated revenue for Q4 2024 increased 7.4% year-over-year to $164.1 million

PR Newswire
Jan 16th, 2025
Mark Arnold Appointed As Next President Of Rasmussen University

Experienced healthcare leader to guide Rasmussen University as it begins its 125th year.MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasmussen University is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Arnold as its next President, effective January 22, 2025. Arnold succeeds Paula Singer, who will transition to the Rasmussen University Board of Directors as Vice Chair and Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee

PR Newswire
Dec 11th, 2024
American Public University System (Apus) Partners With Wreaths Across America To Honor Veterans By Laying Wreaths At Charles Town, W.V., Cemetery

Volunteer Effort is Part of National Wreaths Across America Day on December 14, 2024CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- American Public University System (APUS), which includes American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), is proud to support Wreaths Across America (WAA) in its mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach. APUS will participate in the nationwide effort by generously sponsoring over 600 wreaths that will be placed on gravesites at Edge Hill Cemetery in Charles Town, West Virginia on December 14, 20241

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