Following a stringent and exhaustive peer review process, Northeastern Illinois University has received a Reaffirmation of Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
“The process of earning the reaffirmation of accreditation was both extensive and healthy. When Northeastern goes through this process every 10 years, our dedicated faculty and staff are re-inspired by our high academic standards and quality of our programs,” Interim President Richard Helldobler said. “We are grateful for the reaffirmation of accreditation from HLC and will use it—along with our mission—to inspire new and current students as they pursue their academic goals at Northeastern.”
HLC determines whether an institution receives accreditation or reaffirmation of accreditation based on five criteria that include: mission, institutional effectiveness, teaching and assessment of student learning. HLC, which accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region, is scheduled to conduct its next reaffirmation of Northeastern's accreditation in 2027-2028.
Northeastern Illinois University, which has endured a challenging state budget impasse during the past two years, is seeing its fortunes start to turn. Last month, Northeastern topped U.S. News & World Report’s lists for diversity and low student debt. It also announced its largest incoming freshman class in four years. Its new residence hall, The Nest, is close to full occupancy, and its first-ever comprehensive capital campaign—named Transforming Lives—is on track to meeting its fundraising goals.
“I find it especially gratifying to have received the news of continued accreditation as we begin a yearlong celebration of our University’s sesquicentennial anniversary,” Helldobler said. “We've been around for 150 years, and I'm looking forward to kicking off the next 150 years.”
Northeastern Illinois University’s Main Campus is located on 67 acres in an attractive residential area on the Northwest Side of Chicago. The University offers more than 40 undergraduate degree and certificate programs and more than 50 graduate degree, certificate, licensure and endorsement programs. The University has additional locations in the metropolitan area, including the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, El Centro, Center for College Access & Success, and the University Center of Lake County
