HLC (High learning commission) is a regional accreditor that provides accreditation to graduate education institutions in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Regional accreditation validates the quality of the institution as a whole and specific aspects including programs offered, governance, administration, mission, finances and resources. The accreditation process is based on a system of peer reviews and evaluations.