Ashland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Higher Learning Commission
230 S. LaSalle Street Suite 7-500
Chicago IL 60604
800.621.7440/312.263.0465
General Information about Accreditation
What is Accreditation?
In the United States, colleges and universities voluntarily seek accreditation from regional accreditors. Ashland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The HLC has designed the accreditation process to achieve its mission: “Serving the common good by assuring and advancing the quality of higher education”.
HLC evaluates the University in terms of its mission and HLC’s five criteria and assumed practices. The criteria for accreditation reflect a set of guiding values. In its evaluation process, HLC considers formal educational activities, governance and administration, financial stability, admissions, student services, institutional resources, student learning, institutional effectiveness, and institutional relationships with internal and external constituencies.
As part of their recognition by the U.S. Department of Education, HLC is required to assure that all member institutions are meeting their Title IV program responsibilities and are complying with U.S. Department of Education expectations and regulations through a federal compliance filing at the time of the comprehensive evaluation.
The Value of Accreditation
Accreditation provides public certification of acceptable institutional quality. It also provides institutions with the opportunity to undergo a process of critical self-analysis resulting in an opportunity for self -improvement. Although the term compliance is sometimes used synonymously with HLC and reaffirmation of accreditation, ultimately, the process is in place to promote continuous improvement.
Maintaining accreditation enables the university to be able to receive and distribute federal financial aid funds. Also, accreditation is important for the acceptance and transfer of college credits.
Specialized Programmatic Accreditation
Athletic Training
Accredited by: Commission of Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
Last evaluation 2015-2016
Granted reaffirmation of accreditation
Next evaluation 2024-2025
Business
Accredited by: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Last evaluation 2012
Granted reaffirmation of accreditation
Next evaluation 2022
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC)
Accredited by: Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Last evaluation 2021
Granted reaffirmation of accreditation
Next evaluation June/July 2024
Dietetics
Accredited by: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Last evaluation April 2022
Granted reaffirmation of accreditation
Next evaluation June 2029
Education
Accredited by: Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation
Last evaluation 2019
Granted probationary accreditation
Next evaluation 2024
Music
Accredited by: National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
Last evaluation 2012
Granted reaffirmation of accreditation
Next evaluation 2021-2022
Nursing
Accredited by: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Last evaluation 2017
Granted reaffirmation of accreditation
Next evaluation fall 2027
Seminary
Accredited by: The Association of Theological Schools/The Commission on Accreditation (ATS)
Last evaluation 2018
Granted reaffirmation of accreditation
Next evaluation 2028
Social Work
Accredited by: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Last evaluation 2019
Granted reaffirmation of accreditation
Next evaluation June 2026
