ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ is proud to have earned initial accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, becoming the first institution in the State University System to earn accreditation from the nation’s largest institutional accreditor. This milestone underscores ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s growing national reputation, commitment to academic excellence and student success, and role in advancing Florida as a national leader in education.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ earned the status after completing the and demonstrating the university meets all related to institutional mission; ethical and responsible conduct; teaching and learning for student success; and institutional effectiveness, resources and planning.

β€œHLC is an accreditation partner that matches our scale, our innovation, and our commitment to strong stewardship of public resources.” β€” President Alexander N. Cartwright

β€œΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s transition to HLC reflects our bold ambitions for the future and our responsibility to deliver exceptional value for Florida,” says ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ President Alexander N. Cartwright. β€œHLC is an accreditation partner that matches our scale, our innovation, and our commitment to strong stewardship of public resources. Meeting the rigorous standards to earn this accreditation reflects the faculty and staff whose unwavering dedication to student success, academic excellence, and operational efficiency fuel our momentum.”

About the Higher Learning Commission

Founded in 1895, HLC is a private nonprofit accrediting agency and the nation’s largest institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. HLC accredits approximately 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States.

Why Accreditation Matters for ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½

As Florida offers universities new and innovative options for accreditation, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ is proud to lead the way as the first in the State University System to earn accreditation from HLC.

HLC accreditation validates excellence across ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½, evaluating aspects including academic programs, governance and administration, mission, finances and resources.

Accreditation provides assurance that the university is fulfilling its public mission and providing excellent education, while also demonstrating ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s commitment to continuous improvement. It is also essential for the university to receive federal funding, including student financial aid.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s Strong Return on Investment

As a leading R1 university committed to building a better future, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ empowers innovative community partnerships, world-class research with global impact, and the integration of technology and learning to foster incredible student outcomes.

U.S. News & World Report ranks ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ among the top 15 most innovative universities in the country and has consistently ranked ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s online degrees among the top 10 nationally for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ has a higher graduation rate and lower annual cost than the average midpoint for four-year schools, with a graduation rate of 73% compared to the midpoint of 58%. ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ remains a great value for a quality education, with average annual costs of $10,650 compared to the $19,740 midpoint for other four-year schools.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ is also Florida’s most financially efficient university.

β€œΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ has become a national leader in delivering excellence at scale, achieving outstanding outcomes for our students and the state while operating with one of the lowest costs per degree in the nation,” President Cartwright says. β€œBecause of that efficiency, additional new investments in ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ would deliver among the strongest returns in higher education β€” fueling the talent, research, and innovation that drive Florida’s future.”

Our Ongoing Commitment to Excellence

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ was initially accredited in 1970, and most recently held its status through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Accreditation is an ongoing relationship. As a member of HLC, the institution will participate in ongoing reviews for compliance with HLC standards.

More information about the institution’s accreditation is available in HLC’s .