Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accreditation
230 South LaSalle Street / Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL, 60604-1411
800.621.7440 / info@hlcommission.org
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an institutional accreditor recognized by
the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation
to accredit degree-granting colleges and universities. Institutional accreditation
validates the quality of an institution's academic programs at all degree levels,
whether delivered on-site, online or otherwise. Institutional accreditation also examines
the quality of the institution beyond its academic offerings and evaluates the institution
as a whole, including the soundness of its governance and administration, adherence
to mission, the sustainability of its finances, and the sufficiency of its resources.
HLC maintains an active relationship with its member institutions, with frequent communication
and regular reviews to ensure quality higher education.
Minnesota West Community and Technical College completed the HLC Open Pathway and
received reaffirmation of accreditation until 2031. The Open Pathway is one of two
options institutions have for maintaining their accreditation with HLC. It follows
a 10-year cycle and, like the Standard Pathway, is focused on quality assurance and
institutional improvement. The Open Pathway is unique in that its improvement component,
the Quality Initiative, affords institutions the opportunity to pursue improvement
projects that meet their current needs and aspirations.
Open Pathway: Final Review Reaffirmation Final Report, 2021