Institutional accreditation is granted by institutional or national agencies such as Kent State's accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). These agencies are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit degree granting colleges and universities. Institutional accreditation validates the quality of an institution and evaluates multiple aspects of an institution ranging from its academic offerings, governance and administration, mission, finances, and resources.
Institutional accreditation encompasses the institution as a whole, including all academic programs, all degree levels and both onsite and online course delivery. In addition to our institutional accreditation, many of our academic programs maintain specialized or programmatic accreditation through various agencies. View a full listing of Kent State programs that hold specialized accreditation.
The accreditation process is based on a system of peer review. Educators and administrators from higher ed institutions serve as peer reviewers that conduct accreditation evaluations of member institutions of that accrediting body. Peer reviewers also serve on decision-making committees in the accreditation process.
Institutions that HLC accredits are evaluated against the HLC Criteria for Accreditation, a set of standards that institutions must meet to receive and/or maintain accredited status. Find additional information concerning Kent State University's accreditation process the HLC Open Pathway.