Accreditation and State Authorization
Status
This mark signifies that Notre Dame is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the North Central Association (NCA). HLC’s most recent comprehensive evaluation of the University took place in 2004. Clicking the image will direct you to more specific information about the University’s accreditation status on the HLC website.
Because institutions necessarily evolve over time, HLC regularly collects information from each to ensure they are still operating in a manner that warrants accreditation. At Notre Dame, an annual Institutional Data Update is completed by the Office of Strategic Planning & Institutional Research and the Office of the Provost.
To learn more about the HLC visit their website at http://www.hlcommission.org
Further questions regarding the University’s relationship with the HLC should be directed to the Office of the Provost (provost@nd.edu).
For HLC contact information, including for the filing of complaints, visit the Commission's website.
1The notification procedure may change in the future; please check this page for updates.
Specialized Accreditations
While accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission extends institution-wide, several colleges, schools, departments, and programs within the University seek and maintain accredited status with other bodies, as well.
- School of Architecture, accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
- Mendoza College of Business, accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Alliance for Catholic Education, accredited by the state of Indiana*
- Law School, accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA)*
- Department of Psychology (Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology), accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)*
- Department of Theology, accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
* This link will direct you to a main page where you will have to search “Notre Dame.”
State Authorization
The State of Indiana adopted a Charter in 1844 establishing the University of Notre Dame du Lac and authorizing the University as an institution of higher education. The University also has authorizations from the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the Ohio Board of Regents, and the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.
Various states, including those listed above, have established processes for filing complaints against institutions of higher education. We encourage you to contact the relevant department at the University with any complaints you may have; however, if you would like to pursue a complaint with a state, contact information is available through the State Higher Education Executive Officers website.
University Self-Study and 2014 Comprehensive Site Visit
The University of Notre Dame is currently undergoing a University-wide self-study in preparation for its comprehensive evaluation visit by a team representing the HLC. This visit is scheduled for March 31-April 2, 2014.
HLC Criteria for Accreditation
Request information
If you are an enrolled or prospective student and would like to review the documents describing the University's accreditations or its other authorizations, please contact the Provost Office at 574-631-3802 or provost@nd.edu.