About Accreditation at Xavier

The Higher Learning Commission

Xavier University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Accreditation serves the public by assuring and continuously improving the quality of higher education. 

HLC is an independent corporation founded in 1895 that accredits degree-granting institutions of higher education in a 19-state region. HLC's mission statement is, "Serving the common good by assuring and advancing the quality of higher learning." HLC is charged with overseeing the accreditation of degree granting, post-secondary, not-for-profit and for-profit institutions. There are five other U.S. regional accreditation bodies.

HLC is located at 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604, and can be reached at (800) 621-7440.

For specific inquiries about the University's affiliation with HLC, please contact:

Mary Kochlefl, PhD
Associate Provost for Academic Excellence and Xavier University Accreditation Liaison Officer to HLC
513-745-3724
kochlefl@xavier.edu

Institutional Accreditation

Xavier University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Xavier was first accredited in 1925. Its accreditation by the HLC was most recently reaffirmed in 2021.

HLC accreditation is a key indicator of Xavier's quality. Accreditation affirms that Xavier is expert and effective at fulfilling its educational mission in a way that is ethical and sustainable. Accreditation also allows Xavier access to federal grants, including those for student federal financial aid (e.g. loans, Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study).

To verify Xavier's accreditation status, please navigate to Xavier's Academics site and click on the HLC badge at the bottom of the page. Or, you can confirm Xavier's status by visiting the HLC website.

Specialized Accreditation

Specialized program accreditation sets standards for professional or other specialized programs (e.g., nursing, business, chemistry) and evaluates the ability of the individual program to meet these standards. Though these standards may be very similar to those set by HLC, the standards apply only to the specific program and not the institution as a whole. Learn more about Xavier's specialized accreditation.

Pathways: The Open Pathway

HLC has developed a model for continued accreditation through a program called Pathways. Xavier has selected the Open Pathway. The Open Pathway separates the continued accreditation process into two components: the Assurance Review and the Quality Initiative.  Learn more about the HLC Pathways Process.