Accreditation

ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓƵ is accredited by . Additionally, 10 Hope academic programs have accreditation or approval from their nationally-recognized accrediting bodies and organizations.

Our HLC and program accreditations demonstrate that a ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓƵ degree meets the highest standards. Each accrediting body monitors and periodically reviews the college and our programs to ensure we continue meeting their standards.

Hope’s accreditation was most recently reaffirmed by the HLC in 2024 following a successful . Our next comprehensive evaluation will take place in the 2033–34 academic year. Information from the HLC regarding Hope’s institutional accreditation can be found through the Mark of Affiliation. For more information about ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓƵ program accreditations and approvals, contact the Provost’s Office.

Higher Learning Commission

ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓƵ has been accredited for over a century. Hope was initially accredited in 1915 by the North Central Association. In 2014 the North Central Association became the Higher Learning Commission and our institutional accreditation moved to the HLC.

To maintain our HLC accreditation we continually meet their Criteria for Accreditation, Assumed Practices, Obligations of Membership, and Federal Compliance Requirements.

The HLC offers different pathways to continuing accreditation. Hope is on the HLC Open Pathway. This pathway includes a Comprehensive Evaluation every 10 years to reaffirm accreditation and a Mid-Point Review in Year 4 of the cycle. Between the Mid-Point Review and the next Comprehensive Evaluation, Hope completes a Quality Initiative project illustrating how we engage in continuous improvement for the benefit of our students.

All Hope constituency groups — students, staff, faculty, administrators, board members, alumni and community members — play a role in our continued accreditation.

State of Michigan
ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓƵ has approval to operate as a private postsecondary educational institution from the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Employment & Training office. Our approval to operate as a Class Y educational corporation was received on July 21, 2020. Documentation of this approval can be reviewed by contacting the Provost’s Office.
ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓƵ Location Approval

ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓƵ has State of Michigan and Higher Learning Commission approval to offer academic programs at two locations: our campus in Holland, and an additional location at the Muskegon Correctional Facility. State of Michigan and HLC approval were received in 2021 for the Muskegon location.

Program Accreditation and Approval

The following ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓƵ programs are recognized with program accreditation or approval in good standing

  • Art History, Studio Art, and Art Education: (next review 2023–24)
  • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology: (next review 2028)
  • Chemistry: (next review 2024)
  • Dance: (next review 2027–28)
  • Education: (next review 2026)
  • Engineering: (next review 2023–24)
  • Music, Music Performance, and Music Education: (next review 2026–27)
  • Nursing: (next review 2029)
  • Social Work: (next review 2025)
  • Theatre: (next review 2024–25)
Contact HLC

Below is the contact information for the Higher Learning Commission if there is a need to file a concern/complaint:

230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604

info@hlcommission.org

800.621.7440 / 312.263.0456

Accreditation Resources for the Hope Community

Higher Learning Commission Requirements

ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓƵ

Allison Moore
moorea@hope.edu

Previous ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓƵ reports to the Higher Learning Commission
(Available to the Hope community)

  • submitted as part of our 2013–14 Comprehensive Evaluation
  • submitted as part of our Mid-Cycle Review
  • additional required report to demonstrate progress on Core Component 1.C. — additional report required in 2021
  • additional required report to demonstrate progress on Core Component 1.C. — accepted by the HLC

ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓƵ 2023–2034 Accreditation Timeline

ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓƵ 2023-34 Comprehensive Evaluation Timeline – full text on page above