Accreditation - North Park University
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:22
Accreditation - North Park University
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Office of Institutional Effectiveness
Accreditation
Accreditation
North Park University’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness oversees accreditation, ensuring our programs and operations meet rigorous standards of quality, integrity, and continuous improvement. North Park has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1926.
Assessment and Evaluation
Accreditation
Accrediting and regulatory bodies
North Park is accredited and recognized by the following institutional bodies:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE)
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
Reaffirmation of accreditation
Our institutional accreditation was most recently reaffirmed by the HLC on
September 8, 2025.
About the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC is a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). It ensures that institutions uphold standards in mission, governance, academics, and institutional effectiveness.
North Park participates in the
Open Pathway
, a ten-year accreditation cycle designed to promote continuous quality improvement. Key components include:
Assurance argument
(Years 4 and 10): A comprehensive self-evaluation with supporting evidence.
Quality initiative (QI)
:
A multi-year improvement project (North Park’s current QI is the
Catalyst Project
).
Annual updates
:
Regular submission of data and reports to the HLC.
The Open Pathway replaced the former PEAQ (Program to Evaluate and Advance Quality) model.
Accreditation FAQ
A third-party review of an institution’s academic and operational quality to ensure it meets national standards. Accreditation is required for federal financial aid eligibility and is often a prerequisite for graduate admissions.
A structured, evidence-based report that evaluates the university’s strengths and areas for growth in alignment with HLC criteria.
Institutions must meet five core criteria:
Mission
Integrity and Ethics
Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources, and Support
Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement
Institutional Effectiveness, Resources, and Planning
Following a site visit, HLC peer reviewers submit a report. The university may respond before final action is taken by the HLC’s Institutional Actions Council.
Specialized program accreditations
Several academic programs at North Park hold additional specialized accreditation:
Program
Accrediting Agency
Athletic Training
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
1361 Park St. Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 210-2350
Fax: (727) 210-2354
School of Business and Nonprofit Management
International Assembly for Business Education
P.O. Box 3960 Olathe, KS 66063
Phone: (913) 631-3009
Fax: (913) 631-9154
School of Education
Illinois State Board of Education for Teacher Certification Programs
100 N. 1st St.
Springfield, IL 62777
Phone: (866) 262-6663
Illinois Board of Higher Education
431 E. Adams
2nd Floor
Springfield, IL 62701-1404
Phone: (217) 782-2551
Fax: (217) 782-8548
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at North Park University are accredited by the
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing programs are approved by the
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
School of Music
National Association of Schools of Music
11250 Roger Bacon Dr.
Suite 21
Reston, VA 20190
Phone: (703) 437-0700
Fax: (703) 437-6312
North Park Theological Seminary
The Association of Theological Schools
10 Summit Park Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
Phone: (412) 788-6505
Fax: (412) 788-6510
HLC steering committee
North Park’s HLC Steering Committee supports the accreditation process by:
Coordinating the Assurance Argument and timeline
Educating the campus community on accreditation and institutional effectiveness
Managing document preparation, evidence gathering, and review
Facilitating workshops and communication across departments
Addressing areas of non-compliance, if any
Serving as the university’s liaison with the HLC
The committee works through the Office of the Provost to regularly update senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.
Academics
Programs and Majors
Academic Resources
Brandel Library
Academic Calendar
Academic Catalog
Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management
Admissions and Aid
Undergraduate Admissions
Transfer Admissions
International Admissions
Admitted Students
Graduate Students
Parents and Counselors
Visit
Financial Aid and Tuition
Campus Life
Residence Life and Housing
Office of the Registrar
Student Health and Wellness
University Ministries
Office of Intercultural Student Affairs
Career Development Office
Center for Civic Engagement
Campus Services
News and Stories
Events
Athletics
Athletics Website
Recreation and Sports
Alumni
Alumni
North Parker Magazine
Giving
About
Facts at a Glance
History and Heritage
Christian
City-Centered
Intercultural
Mission and Identity
Office of the President
Office of the Provost
Human Resources
Resources and Policies
Follow us:
Links for
Current Students
Prospective Students
Transfer Students
International Students
Parents and Families
About North Park University
Office of the Provost
Office of Institutional Effectiveness
Accreditation
Accreditation
North Park University’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness oversees accreditation, ensuring our programs and operations meet rigorous standards of quality, integrity, and continuous improvement. North Park has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1926.
Assessment and Evaluation
Accreditation
Accrediting and regulatory bodies
North Park is accredited and recognized by the following institutional bodies:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE)
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
Reaffirmation of accreditation
Our institutional accreditation was most recently reaffirmed by the HLC on
September 8, 2025.
About the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC is a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). It ensures that institutions uphold standards in mission, governance, academics, and institutional effectiveness.
North Park participates in the
Open Pathway
, a ten-year accreditation cycle designed to promote continuous quality improvement. Key components include:
Assurance argument
(Years 4 and 10): A comprehensive self-evaluation with supporting evidence.
Quality initiative (QI)
:
A multi-year improvement project (North Park’s current QI is the
Catalyst Project
).
Annual updates
:
Regular submission of data and reports to the HLC.
The Open Pathway replaced the former PEAQ (Program to Evaluate and Advance Quality) model.
Accreditation FAQ
A third-party review of an institution’s academic and operational quality to ensure it meets national standards. Accreditation is required for federal financial aid eligibility and is often a prerequisite for graduate admissions.
A structured, evidence-based report that evaluates the university’s strengths and areas for growth in alignment with HLC criteria.
Institutions must meet five core criteria:
Mission
Integrity and Ethics
Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources, and Support
Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement
Institutional Effectiveness, Resources, and Planning
Following a site visit, HLC peer reviewers submit a report. The university may respond before final action is taken by the HLC’s Institutional Actions Council.
Specialized program accreditations
Several academic programs at North Park hold additional specialized accreditation:
Program
Accrediting Agency
Athletic Training
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
1361 Park St. Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 210-2350
Fax: (727) 210-2354
School of Business and Nonprofit Management
International Assembly for Business Education
P.O. Box 3960 Olathe, KS 66063
Phone: (913) 631-3009
Fax: (913) 631-9154
School of Education
Illinois State Board of Education for Teacher Certification Programs
100 N. 1st St.
Springfield, IL 62777
Phone: (866) 262-6663
Illinois Board of Higher Education
431 E. Adams
2nd Floor
Springfield, IL 62701-1404
Phone: (217) 782-2551
Fax: (217) 782-8548
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at North Park University are accredited by the
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing programs are approved by the
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
School of Music
National Association of Schools of Music
11250 Roger Bacon Dr.
Suite 21
Reston, VA 20190
Phone: (703) 437-0700
Fax: (703) 437-6312
North Park Theological Seminary
The Association of Theological Schools
10 Summit Park Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
Phone: (412) 788-6505
Fax: (412) 788-6510
HLC steering committee
North Park’s HLC Steering Committee supports the accreditation process by:
Coordinating the Assurance Argument and timeline
Educating the campus community on accreditation and institutional effectiveness
Managing document preparation, evidence gathering, and review
Facilitating workshops and communication across departments
Addressing areas of non-compliance, if any
Serving as the university’s liaison with the HLC
The committee works through the Office of the Provost to regularly update senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.