Accreditation
North Park University’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness oversees accreditation, ensuring our programs and operations meet rigorous standards of quality, integrity, and continuous improvement. North Park has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1926.
Accrediting and regulatory bodies
North Park is accredited and recognized by the following institutional bodies:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE)
- National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
Reaffirmation of accreditation
Our institutional accreditation was most recently reaffirmed by the HLC on July 16, 2021.
About the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC is a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). It ensures that institutions uphold standards in mission, governance, academics, and institutional effectiveness.
North Park participates in the Open Pathway, a ten-year accreditation cycle designed to promote continuous quality improvement. Key components include:
- Assurance argument (Years 4 and 10): A comprehensive self-evaluation with supporting evidence.
- Quality initiative (QI): A multi-year improvement project (North Park’s current QI is the Catalyst Project).
- Annual updates: Regular submission of data and reports to the HLC.
The Open Pathway replaced the former PEAQ (Program to Evaluate and Advance Quality) model.
Accreditation FAQ
A third-party review of an institution’s academic and operational quality to ensure it meets national standards. Accreditation is required for federal financial aid eligibility and is often a prerequisite for graduate admissions.
A structured, evidence-based report that evaluates the university’s strengths and areas for growth in alignment with HLC criteria.
Institutions must meet five core criteria:
- Mission
- Integrity and Ethics
- Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources, and Support
- Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement
- Institutional Effectiveness, Resources, and Planning
Following a site visit, HLC peer reviewers submit a report. The university may respond before final action is taken by the HLC’s Institutional Actions Council.
Specialized program accreditations
Several academic programs at North Park hold additional specialized accreditation:
| Program | Accrediting Agency |
|---|---|
| Athletic Training | Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 1361 Park St. Clearwater, FL 33756 Phone: (727) 210-2350 Fax: (727) 210-2354 |
| School of Business and Nonprofit Management | International Assembly for Business Education P.O. Box 3960 Olathe, KS 66063 Phone: (913) 631-3009 Fax: (913) 631-9154 |
| School of Education | Illinois State Board of Education for Teacher Certification Programs 100 N. 1st St. Springfield, IL 62777 Phone: (866) 262-6663 Illinois Board of Higher Education 431 E. Adams 2nd Floor Springfield, IL 62701-1404 Phone: (217) 782-2551 Fax: (217) 782-8548 |
| School of Nursing and Health Sciences | The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at North Park University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing programs are approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. |
| School of Music | National Association of Schools of Music 11250 Roger Bacon Dr. Suite 21 Reston, VA 20190 Phone: (703) 437-0700 Fax: (703) 437-6312 |
| North Park Theological Seminary | The Association of Theological Schools 10 Summit Park Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 15275 Phone: (412) 788-6505 Fax: (412) 788-6510 |
HLC steering committee
North Park’s HLC Steering Committee supports the accreditation process by:
- Coordinating the Assurance Argument and timeline
- Educating the campus community on accreditation and institutional effectiveness
- Managing document preparation, evidence gathering, and review
- Facilitating workshops and communication across departments
- Addressing areas of non-compliance, if any
- Serving as the university’s liaison with the HLC
The committee works through the Office of the Provost to regularly update senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.