Higher Learning Commission Accreditation Status Frequently Asked Questions
On June 25, 2026, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Board of Trustees placed Calvary University on Accreditation on Probation status. Probation is a public sanction assigned to an institution’s accreditation status indicating the institution is not in compliance with one or more HLC requirements. Calvary University remains accredited by HLC while on Probation status. The Probation period provides the institution with time to correct identified areas of where the institution is not meeting required standards.
Our Commitment
Calvary University is committed to fully and transparently addressing areas of concern identified by the HLC and to successfully completing a comprehensive evaluation within the Probation timeline.
What is HLC?
The Higher Learning Commission is an independent accrediting agency founded in 1895. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an institutional accreditor for degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States. As an institutional accreditor, HLC accredits the institution as a whole rather than accrediting individual academic programs.
What is Accreditation on Probation?
Probation is a public status indicating that an accredited institution is no longer in compliance with one or more of HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation. Accreditation on Probation indicates the institution remains accredited during a probation period established by HLC.
Does Probation mean Calvary is losing our accreditation?
No, Calvary University remains accredited by HLC. Probation is a formal sanction providing the institution time to address specific concerns identified by HLC.
Why is Calvary on Probation?
Following comprehensive review process, the HLC found that Calvary University was not in compliance with the following two items:
- The Commission determined that Calvary does not meet Criterion Four, Core Component 4.B, “Resource Base and Sustainability.
- The Commission determined that Calvary does not meet Assumed Practice D.1, “Current Financial Obligations.”
Additionally, the Commission also concluded that the institution needs to address concerns related to Criterion Three, Core Component 3.C, “Sufficiency of Faculty and Staff.”
This means that Calvary University has been viewed as meeting four of five Criteria for Accreditation, with one element of Criterion 4 rated as “not met.” Because Calvary was rated as “not met” for Criterion 4.B., a related Assumed Practice was also “not met.” Also, HLC expressed concern about an aspect of Criterion 3 (staffing) rated as “met with concern.”
Will my credits or degree be affected?
No, Credits and degrees earned from Calvary University during this period are from an accredited institution and carry the same recognition as they would under any other accreditation status.
What is Calvary doing to address HLC’s concerns?
Beginning in January 2026, the Calvary Board of Trustees created a team to correct the financial direction of the institution and prepared a near/mid-term plan to stabilize, then grow and rebalance financial resources. Subsequently, the Board approved establishment of a team comprising individuals experienced in leading organizations through financial challenges to implement restructuring the administration to better and more efficiently support students and staff. This process will continue throughout the Probation period and beyond.
How long will Calvary be on Probation?
Probation may last up to two years. The HLC Board of Trustees may remove probation once Calvary successfully completes a comprehensive evaluation demonstrating that the identified issues are corrected.
Will my financial aid be affected?
Probation will have no impact on federal funding, including student financial aid.
Will my credits transfer to another institution?
The decision to accept or not accept credits from another institution always remains with the receiving institution. Concerned students should contact institutions they are considering transferring to regarding transferability. Click here to contact Jennifer Prodoehl, your academic advisor, for help obtaining answers.
What if HLC withdraws accreditation at the end of the Probation period?
The answer is complicated by the fact that we hold comprehensive accreditation by two accrediting agencies, HLC and the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). In the highly unlikely event that HLC withdraws accreditation, Calvary will prepare a teach-out plan for HLC with teach-out agreements with other institutions. However, as indicated, Calvary is also accredited by ABHE. ABHE is also a national accreditor and institutions solely accredited by ABHE are eligible for federal financial aid and to confer recognized degrees.
It is also important to understand that HLC does not automatically withdraw accreditation at the end of the Probation period. Calvary will submit an Assurance Argument to HLC, and HLC will conduct a comprehensive visit to determine if Calvary is in compliance with Criteria for Accreditation near the end of the Probation period. Calvary is committed to demonstrating that we meet all HLC requirements by that time.
Where can I go to get more information?
Where can I find HLC’s official information?
You can find information on HLC’s website or you can visit Calvary’s Accreditation webpage and click on the HLC logo (HLC Mark of Accreditation) to go directly to HLC’s webpage detailing Calvary University’s status with HLC.