Institutional Accreditation
KU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913. Maintaining good standing with HLC affirms KU is striving to fulfil its mission and continually improving. It signals to employers and other institutions that KU adheres to minimum quality standards. Additionally, accreditation is a requirement for eligibility to offer federal financial aid to students.
What is the Higher Learning Commission?
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent agency, founded in 1895. HLC accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States. HLC is an institutional accreditor, accrediting the institution as a whole.
HLC Foundational Requirements
To maintain good standing with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and with a focus on continuous improvement, KU is committed to upholding the foundational requirements, policies, and procedures set for by HLC.
- Criteria for Accreditation are the standards of quality KU writes to every four to five years to demonstrate quality assurance and continuous improvement.
- Criteria 1. Mission
- Criteria 2. Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct
- Criteria 3. Teaching and Learning for Student Success
- Criteria 4. Sustainability: Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning
- Assumed Practices are adhered to on an on-going basis and foundational elements to the Criteria for Accreditation.
- Obligations of Membership are requirements of maintaining accreditation. They are expectations about behavior, transparency, and engagement with HLC and the public.
- Federal Compliance Requirements are HLC’s process for verifying certain regulations set forth by the federal government.
Accreditation Cycle
KU is on the Open Pathway which follows a 10-year cycle and supports institutional improvement through innovation.
| Year | Assurance Filing | Multi-Location Visit | Quality Initiative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 2025-2026 | Prepare Mid-Cycle Assurance Argument | ||
| Year 2 2026-2027 | Prepare Mid-Cycle Assurance Argument | ||
| Year 3 2027-2028 | Prepare Mid-Cycle Assurance Argument | Prepare Multi-location Report and Host Site Visit | |
| Year 4 2028-2029 | Submit Mid-Cycle Assurance Argument Filing | ||
| Year 5 2029-2030 | Submit Quality Initiative Proposal | ||
| Year 6 2030-2031 | Work on Quality Initiative Project | ||
| Year 7 2031-2032 | Prepare Assurance Argument and Federal Compliance Report | Work on Quality Initiative Project | |
| Year 8 2032-2033 | Prepare Assurance Argument and Federal Compliance Report | Prepare Multi-location Report and Host Site Visit | Work on Quality Initiative Project |
| Year 9 2033-2034 | Prepare Assurance Argument and Federal Compliance Report | Submit Final Quality Initiative Report due by 6/1/34 | |
| Year 10 2034-2035 | Prepare and Submit Assurance Argument and Federal Compliance Report Host Site Visit |