Accreditation

Lakeshore College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional accrediting bodies authorized by the U.S. Department of Education. College accreditation includes approval to offer distance education courses and programs. Lakeshore has been an accredited higher education institution since 1977. After the college’s comprehensive evaluation in 2014-2015, the college transitioned to the Open Pathway model (see details below). Our most recent comprehensive evaluation was completed in 2024. Lakeshore College received notification by the Higher Learning Commission that the college’s accreditation status has been continued.

What is Accreditation?

An accredited college or university means you can expect:

• A Quality Education: Accreditation means that a college, university, institution or program meets standards of quality for faculty, curriculum, administration, library, financial management and student services.
• Financial Aid Opportunities: You can only obtain federal financial assistance if your college or university has appropriate accreditation from an organization recognized by the United States Department of Education.
• Credits that Transfer: If you ever want to transfer your college credits to continue your education, accreditation is an important factor when a college or university is deciding whether to accept transfer credits from your previous school.

Accreditation also means that Lakeshore has demonstrated evidence of meeting the Criteria for Accreditation, which are the standards of quality by which the Commission determines whether an institution merits accreditation or reaffirmation of accreditation.

View a full description of these criteria and their core components.

They fall into the following Categories:

• Mission
  • The institution's mission is clear and articulated publicly; it guides the institution's operations.
• Integrity: Ethical & Responsible Conduct
  • The institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.
• Teaching and Learning for Student Success
  • The institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments and support services, and it evaluates their effectiveness in fulfilling its mission. The rigor and quality of each educational program is consistent regardless of modality, location or other differentiating factors.
• Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning
  • The institution’s resources, structures, policies, procedures and planning enable it to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its educational programs, and respond to future challenges and opportunities.

What is the Open Pathway to Accreditation?

Institutions on the Open Pathway typically undergo a virtual Assurance Review in Year 4. Beginning in September 2025, certain eligible institutions may opt to complete a Quality Initiative project focused on student success during Years 1–4 in lieu of this review. All institutions on the Open Pathway complete a Quality Initiative on a topic of their choice during Years 5–9 and undergo a comprehensive evaluation in Year 10.

View complete information about the pathway

Does the Higher Learning Commission also provide Program Accreditation?

The HLC does not provide program accreditation. Many programs receive independent accreditations that apply specific standards for curricula and course content for those students preparing to practice a specific profession.

View Program Accreditation