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Higher Learning Commission
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
800-621-7440/312-263-0456
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.
Additional Accreditations
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.
Accredited by: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Last evaluation: 2023
Granted business accreditation
Next evaluation: 2029
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Accredited by: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Last evaluation: 2024
Granted reaffirmation of accreditation
Next evaluation: 2033
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Accredited by: Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Last evaluation: 2024
Granted reaffirmation of accreditation
Next evaluation: March 2030
Accredited by: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Last evaluation: April 2022
Granted reaffirmation of accreditation
Next evaluation: June 2029
Accredited by: Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation
Last evaluation: 2024
Granted reaffirmation of accreditation
Accreditation is granted at the initial-licensure level through Spring 2031. Next review, Fall 2030.
Accreditation is granted at the advanced level through Spring 2031. Next review, Fall 2030.
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The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Ashland University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Last evaluation: 2020
Granted reaffirmation of accreditation
Next evaluation: June 2031
The master's degree program in nursing and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Ashland University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
Accredited by: Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
Last evaluation: September 2025
Granted Continued Accreditation
Next evaluation: 2035
Accredited by: The Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools
Last evaluation: 2018
Granted reaffirmation of accreditation
Next evaluation: 2028
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Accredited by: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Last evaluation: 2019
Granted reaffirmation of accreditation
Next evaluation: June 2026
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Program Approvals
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Chemistry
Approved by: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Last Evaluation: 2023
Status: Granted reaffirmation of approval
Next Evaluation: 2028