North Park University's Old Main

Office of Institutional Effectiveness

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Institutional accreditation at North Park University is provided by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) which is responsible for ensuring accrediting bodies and institutions uphold and meet the establish standards of quality. The Commission offers ways for an institution to demonstrate that it meets its criteria for accreditation.

North Park uses the Open Pathway. This program requires North Park to periodically prepare an “Assurance Argument” and to regularly report demographic and financial information to the Commission. The Open Pathway also requires North Park to engage in a “Quality Initiative,” a multi-year program for campus improvement. The Open Pathways replaces the PEAQ program that focused on a self-study every ten years.

North Park University has been continuously accredited since 1926. The HLC can be researched at www.hlcommission.org or reached by mail at:

230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
(800) 621-7440