Admin Building

Aug. 1, 2018

Commission invites public comments for evaluation of Northwest

Northwest Missouri State University will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit by a team representing the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Oct. 14-16, and the agency is now gathering public comments regarding the University.

The HLC is a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in a 19-state region of the United States. Regional accreditation validates the quality of an institution as a whole and evaluates multiple aspects of an institution, including its academic offerings, governance and administration, mission, finances and resources. The HLC’s institutional accreditation includes all degree levels as well as onsite and online offerings.

While accreditation is voluntary, the distinction allows Northwest to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degrees on its main campus, online and at various sites in Missouri. The evaluation process is necessary for a college or university to maintain its accreditation, which Northwest has achieved continuously since 1921.

The public is invited to submit comments regarding Northwest online at http://hlcommission.org/HLC-Institutions/third-party-comment.html

Comments also may be submitted by mail to:

Third-Party Comment on Northwest Missouri State University
Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Written, signed comments must be received by Friday, Sept. 14. The HLC cannot guarantee that comments received after the due date will be considered. Comments should include the name, address and telephone number of the person providing the comments. Comments will not be treated as confidential. 

About Northwest Missouri State University

With an enrollment of about 6,300 students, Northwest is a coeducational, primarily residential four-year university that offers a broad range of undergraduate and selected graduate programs on its Maryville campus as well as its Northwest-Kansas City location at the Northland Innovation Center and through Northwest Online.

Founded in 1905, Northwest has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report during three of the last four years as the top moderately selective regional university in Missouri. Safewise ranks the city of Maryville as one of the “Safest College Towns in America,” while BestCollegesOnline.org has named the Northwest campus one of the “50 Most Amazing University Botanical Gardens and Arboretums in the U.S.”

The University boasts a graduate rate in the 89th percentile of its national peer group. In addition, 97 percent of Northwest bachelor’s degree earners and nearly 99 percent of master’s degree earners secure employment or continue their education within six months of graduation, according to the most recent data. Zippia, a career website, named Northwest the best college in Missouri for getting a job.

Northwest places a high emphasis on profession-based learning to help graduates get a jumpstart on their careers. Students have opportunities to build their résumés with experiences on campus in nearly every area of study, including the Horace Mann Laboratory School, National Public Radio affiliate KXCV, the R.T. Wright Farm, Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area or Knacktive, a student-driven integrated digital marketing communications agency.

Furthermore, its vibrant and diverse learning community offers more than 150 student organizations, and textbooks and a laptop are included in tuition, which is among the lowest in the nation, saving students an estimated $7,300 over four years. Northwest also offers 1,200 student employment positions, allowing students to build professional skills through its internationally benchmarked student employment program. 

For more information about Northwest and its performance, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/aboutus/facts/.