Case Western Reserve University has earned reaffirmation of its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), marking a significant milestone in the university’s longstanding commitment to academic excellence and institutional integrity.
CWRU has been continuously accredited by the HLC since 1913, and this most recent reaffirmation follows a comprehensive review process as part of the commission’s 10-year accreditation cycle. The next comprehensive review will take place in 2034–35.
In March, the university submitted a 34,725-word assurance argument—a detailed document demonstrating compliance with the Higher Learning Commission’s core criteria for accreditation—along with several hundred supporting evidence documents. The HLC’s criteria assess institutions based on mission, integrity, quality of teaching and learning, and institutional effectiveness.
In parallel with the assurance argument, the university also submitted a federal compliance report, another required component of the HLC review process. This report underwent a separate review to ensure the university meets all federal regulations tied to accreditation. CWRU was found to be fully in compliance with all federal requirements.
In April, a team of HLC peer reviewers visited campus to meet with faculty, staff, and students—evaluating firsthand how CWRU lives out its mission and supports its community.
The review team’s findings were overwhelmingly positive.