The University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning
Commission of the North Central Association (HLC of the NCA), one of
six regional accrediting associations that provide institutional
accreditation.  As the largest of the regional accrediting
associations, the HLC operates in 19 states that span the midwestern
and part of the western United States.  The HLC is itself recognized
by the U.S. Department of Education, and their accreditation
practices are subject to regular review and oversight by that agency.

According to the HLC, "accreditation has two fundamental
purposes:  quality assurance and program improvement."  All
HLC-accredited institutions are expected to participate in a regular
process of self-study and review by site visitors as a means of
documenting achievements and efforts in both areas.  This involves
review of the organization as a whole, including academic programs
and activities but also including student achievement, institutional
governance, administration, finances, student services and
admissions, institutional resources, organizational effectiveness,
and relationships with external constituencies.