Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Pathway Overview
M State is committed to continuously working and striving for the next level of educational excellence for students and stakeholders by participating in HLC's Open Pathway, which follows a 10-year accreditation cycle focused on quality assurance and institutional improvement.
The Open Pathway cycle includes:
Regular Monitoring
Annual submission of an Institutional Update, which is reviewed by HLC to monitor organizational health, comply with certain federal requirements and identify any changes that may require HLC follow-up.
Year 4 Assurance Review
M State will undergo an Assurance Review during the fourth year of the cycle to ensure the Criteria for Accreditation are being met and institutional improvement is being pursued.
Year 5-9 Quality Initiative
Institutions conduct a Quality Initiative project and report on the outcomes.
M State's next reaffirmation of accreditation will be in 2032-2033.
HLC Accreditation Pathway History
2023 - Reaffirmation of Accreditation (Standard Pathway)
M State's accreditation was reaffirmed in 2023 after HLC's review of the college's Assurance Argument and supporting evidence, Federal Compliance documentation, and conducted an on-site visit to meet with stakeholders. The process successfully resulted in illustrating how M State is advancing the college's mission and provided evidence of the college's commitment to continuous improvement.
M State's next reaffirmation of accreditation will be in 2032-2033 on the Open Pathway.
