Process affirms high quality of university’s programs

CLEVELAND (January 27, 2022) – Cleveland State University has been fully reaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for the next 10 years – an affirmation of the quality of its educational programs and services. The university met all 77 elements of the comprehensive evaluation, a four-year process that includes rigorous peer review, institutional evaluation and a site visit.

“This is a critical, once-a-decade, official verification of what our students, alumni, employers, peer institutions and the community already know,” said CSU president Harlan Sands. “Cleveland State University provides an outstanding education through its world-class programs. We are proud to have our accreditation reaffirmed by HLC.”

HLC is one of six regional accreditors recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It is an independent organization that monitors the quality of degree-granting colleges and universities in a 19-state region.

In addition to providing quality assurance to stakeholders that CSU programs meet or exceed the highest educational standards, the accreditation is the university’s primary license for granting degrees. It is also required to receive and administer federal student financial aid.

The university was evaluated on its mission, integrity, teaching and learning, as well as institutional effectiveness.

“It was particularly gratifying that the reviewers recognized our commitment to our mission as an urban, public research university,” said Laura Bloomberg, Ph.D., CSU provost and senior vice president of academic affairs. “That is a testament to the expertise, commitment and passion of our faculty and staff, as well as the vision we’ve laid out for the future with CSU 2.0.”

In its final report the HLC noted: “CSU's long-standing partnerships with the city as well as the region demonstrate the institution's commitment to the public good. CSU 2.0 also articulates the university's ongoing commitment to serve a broad cross-section of students, to engage the surrounding communities through its teaching and research, and to provide economic benefits to the region.”

CSU has been continually accredited by HLC since its founding in 1964, beginning with the 1940 accreditation of its predecessor – Fenn College. The university will undergo an assurance review of its accreditation in the 2025-26 academic year, followed by its next 10-year review in 2030-31.

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