Accreditation

DePaul University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) .

Why is Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission Important?

• Accreditation agencies are tasked with ensuring the quality of higher education programs nation-wide by the Higher Education Opportunity Act.
• Our accreditation status is made public and speaks to our institution’s overall educational quality.
• Accreditation is required for our students to receive federal financial aid.
• Accreditation is required for our students’ credits to transfer to almost any reputable higher education institution.
• In most fields, accreditation is required for our students’ degrees to be recognized in the workplace.
• Institutional accreditation is required by many employers to provide tuition compensation to their employees to attend DePaul University

HLC Criteria for Assessment of Student Learning

Criterion 3 of HLC’s accreditation criteria “Teaching and Learning for Student Success” provides standards and criteria for assessing student learning. Specifically, Criterion 3.E. states that “The institution improves the quality of educational programs based on its assessment of student learning.” 

Read the full accreditation criteria and core components from HLC.

Professional Accreditation

Certain colleges and programs at DePaul have their own professional accreditation organizations. These groups have their own standards and requirements for professionals within their fields. In some cases, affiliation with these organizations is voluntary. However, in other cases, affiliation is required for graduates to be certified to practice within their particular fields. Learn more about DePaul’s affiliations with accrediting bodies.

Other Standards

Teacher preparation programs are under the purview of the state in which they​ operate. In the state of Illinois, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) defines standards for all teacher preparation programs.