Higher Learning Commission Accreditation
What is the Higher Learning Commission?
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (MCCMS) is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that accredits degree-granting postsecondary educational institutions.
Why is it important?
Accreditation plays an important role in assuring educational quality and is one factor in institutional eligibility to participate in federal financial aid programs.
In addition to eligibility to receive federal financial aid, there are other significant benefits to MCCMS students. For example, employers often verify the accreditation of a college or university before they will pay for tuition or fees as part of a company-sponsored benefits program.
Attending an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency is an important consideration for a student to transfer credits to another institution or to pursue admission to graduate programs. Although such decisions are made by the receiving institution, accredited colleges and universities typically only accept credits from other accredited institutions.
HLC Open Pathway
HLC has established four criteria for accreditation and evaluates colleges and universities to verify that they are met. The criteria set forth basic standards in areas such as mission, integrity, educational quality, and resources.
MCCMS follows HLC's Open Pathway for maintaining accreditation.
The Open Pathway follows a 10-year cycle and is focused on quality assurance and institutional improvement. A key feature of the Open Pathway is the Quality Initiative, which allows MCCMS to pursue a focused improvement project that supports institutional improvement and student success.
MCCMS’ last Year 10 Comprehensive Evaluation for Reaffirmation was completed in 2018-2019. The next Year-10 Reaffirmation will occur in 2028-2029.