St. Scholastica earns 10-year reaffirmation from the Higher Learning Commission

Accreditation for higher education is a process through which educational institutions undergo evaluation by an external accrediting body to ensure that they meet certain predetermined standards of quality and effectiveness. The College of St. Scholastica has been consistently accredited since 1931 by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC focuses on advancing quality assurance through equitable, transformative and trusted accreditation in the service of students and its member institutions.

Why does accreditation matter?

Accreditation ensures the College offers the highest academic excellence and rigor, allows transfer credit acceptance, enables students to qualify for federal financial aid and ensures we meet the federal requirements set forth by the Department of Education. In addition, an accredited degree is required for acceptance into many graduate programs.

Part of the accreditation process includes a site visit once every ten years; the visit for this accreditation cycle occurred in February 2023. A team of five higher education professionals comprising faculty and staff from peer institutions around the country visited the campus. The visit allowed the College to share our story, which is to prepare students to transform the world. Guided by our Catholic Benedictine Values, we send forth thoughtful leaders who embody a sense of hospitality, community, respect, stewardship, and a love for learning. Feedback from the peer review team included high praise for the strong commitment faculty and staff show students and the College’s mission, and the sense of hospitality on the beautiful campus.

Receiving reaffirmation of accreditation

In June, St. Scholastica received a reaffirmation of accreditation for the next ten years, signifying HLC’s endorsement of the College’s commitment to uphold our mission, vision and values. This latest news reaffirms HLC’s confidence in our mission, teaching quality, strategic priorities and future success in preparing thoughtful leaders in the workplace. It also ensures that St. Scholastica maintains quality standards, protects students’ interests and promotes transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

“We are honored to receive full reaffirmation from the Higher Learning Commission. The entire process highlighted our strengths as a community and we are incredibly grateful to the students, faculty and staff who helped prepare for our comprehensive review. This decision confirms the thoughtful oversight of our Trustees, our Sisters, our leadership, and the day-in-and day-out efforts of our faculty and staff,” said President Barbara McDonald.