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Cleveland State University (CSU) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the largest of all regional accreditors in the U.S. Founded in 1895, HLC is responsible for the accreditation of degree-granting colleges and universities in a 19-state region. The Commission bases its work on a mission to serve “the common good by assuring and advancing the quality of higher education.” The mission comes to life through a set of Guiding Values that support a peer review process utilizing 4 criteria for accreditation.

To verify Cleveland State University's HLC membership, click the HLC Mark of Affiliation on this page. Since 1940, Cleveland State University has been a member of and accredited by the HLC as a bachelor’s degree-granting institution. Cleveland State University also awards shorter, industry-driven, certificates. 

To contact HLC:
In person: 230 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604
By phone: 800-621-7440 or 312-263-0456 
By fax: 312-263-7462 
By email: info@hlcommission.org 
To file a complaint with the HLC, please visit their site here. 

CSU values accreditation as it represents a set of quality assurance indicators by which it can fulfill its mission as an institution of higher education. In practical terms, accreditation is tied to public support, federal financial aid, and acceptance of transfer credits. At the same time, CSU uses HLC’s criteria for accreditation as guidelines for its commitment to continuous improvement.

In addition to regional accreditation, Cleveland State University has a number of programs with external, professional accreditation; a complete list is available on the Academic Planning website.