Accreditation
Welcome to Shepherd’s HLC accreditation homepage!
Shepherd University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which accredits colleges and universities across the United States. Shepherd University is part of the Commission’s Standard Pathway process for Reaffirmation of Accreditation.
Campus Information Resources:
- HLC Criteria for Accreditation (effective September 1, 2025)
- SU Assembly Fall 2024 HLC Presentation
- Shepherd University 2021 Assurance Argument
- SU HLC 2021 Student Opinion Survey – Topline Results
Introduction to The Pathways (Adapted from the HLC Website)
Accreditation assures quality by verifying that an institution (1) meets threshold standards and (2) is engaged in continuous improvement. The Standard Pathway features a ten-year cycle with a focus on both assurance and improvement, Assurance Reviews in Years 4 and 10, and the use of the HLC electronic Canopy System. In addition, the Standard Pathway requires annual filing of the Institutional Update, annual monitoring of financial and non-financial indicators, and adherence to Commission policies and practices on institutional change.
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Shepherd University has been accredited since 1950 by the Higher Learning Commission, which accredits U.S. colleges and universities at the institutional level. Accreditation provides assurance to the public and to prospective students that standards of quality have been met.
Thank you for being a part of the process!