Accreditation
91社区福利鈥檚 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 September 8, 2025.
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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 Institutional Actions Council.
Specialized program accreditations
Several academic programs at North Park hold additional specialized accreditation:
| Program | Accrediting Agency |
|---|---|
| Athletic Training | 1361 Park St. Clearwater, FL 33756 Phone: (727) 210-2350 Fax: (727) 210-2354 |
| School of Business and Nonprofit Management | P.O. Box 3960 Olathe, KS 66063 Phone: (913) 631-3009 Fax: (913) 631-9154 |
| School of Education | 100 N. 1st St. Springfield, IL 62777 Phone: (866) 262-6663 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鈥檚 degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at 91社区福利 are accredited by the The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing programs are approved by the |
| School of Music | 11250 Roger Bacon Dr. Suite 21 Reston, VA 20190 Phone: (703) 437-0700 Fax: (703) 437-6312 |
| North Park Theological Seminary | 10 Summit Park Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 15275 Phone: (412) 788-6505 Fax: (412) 788-6510 |
HLC steering committee
North Park鈥檚 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鈥檚 liaison with the HLC
The committee works through the Office of the Provost to regularly update senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.