Northwestern College has received formal notification of reaffirmation of its accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The decision follows a campus visit Dec. 8–9 in which a five-member evaluation team met with faculty, staff, students, board members, alumni and community leaders in response to the college’s self-study.
“Receiving a full 10-year reaccreditation from the Higher Learning Commission without a single qualification is a huge accomplishment and a direct reflection of the standout faculty, staff, administrators and board who serve the college,” says Greg Christy, Northwestern’s president. “We are grateful for this best possible outcome and praise God for the many affirmations provided by the HLC evaluators.
“At its core, HLC accreditation is about ensuring an institution is accomplishing its mission,” says Christy. The accreditation team’s report said, “Northwestern College has clear and compelling evidence that the mission [statement] and Vision for Learning are continually and clearly used as guiding principles across the institution.” In addition, evaluators wrote, “The evidence confirms that Northwestern demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to integrity, ethical practice and mission-aligned operations.”
Citing Northwestern’s academic programs as “rigorous, relevant and consistent with the institutional mission,” the accreditation team concluded the college delivers quality undergraduate and graduate education. The report stated Northwestern provides “good support for teaching and learning” and that students believe faculty and staff are responsive to their needs and concerns. “Northwestern demonstrates a clear and intentional commitment to supporting intellectual inquiry and open dialogue as central components of its Christian academic mission. [The] alignment between academic freedom and mission represents a significant institutional strength.”
Noting that Northwestern experienced a 36% increase in enrollment from 2016 to 2024, expanding from 1,260 students to 1,719, the evaluators commended Northwestern’s “thoughtful and inclusive approach to decision-making,” saying the college demonstrates effective management of fiscal and personnel resources.
“Northwestern utilizes resources wisely,” the report continued. “The college’s financial position is solid, with a strong endowment and minimal debt. The campus is well-maintained and attractive, and a positive collaborative relationship exists with the local community.”
The accreditation team described Northwestern’s strategic planning as “exemplary,” saying it is mission-driven and engages administration, board members, faculty and staff. “The institution is committed to continuous improvement, and it listens actively to its stakeholders in trying to serve their needs and those of the broader community.”
A committee of faculty and staff collected information and compiled Northwestern’s self-study addressing the commission’s requirements and criteria for accreditation over a year-and-a-half period. Dr. Dean Calsbeek, dean of natural and applied sciences, served as the group’s chair.
The Higher Learning Commission requires institutions to undergo a comprehensive evaluation every 10 years. Northwestern has been accredited by the agency since 1953 and as a liberal arts college since 1970. The HLC is an independent agency, founded in 1895, that accredits approximately 950 member colleges and universities in the United States.
