Accreditation and Affiliations

HLC Accreditation

Southwest Baptist University is fully accredited by:

Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411
(312) 263-0456
http://www.hlcommission.org/

Accredited Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Higher Learning Commission?

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent corporation that was founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the United States. SBU is committed to continuing a relationship with HLC.

Why is accreditation important?

In addition to providing assurance that a university is fulfilling its mission and providing a quality education, Higher Learning Commission accreditation is necessary for the institution to receive federal funding, including student financial aid.

How long has SBU been accredited?

SBU has held HLC accreditation continuously since the year 1957. Our most recent reaffirmation of accreditation took place in November 2023 and all criteria were met with no concerns.

What should I do if I have additional questions or concerns?

Please let us know. Reach out to Levi Fox, SBU’s accreditation liaison officer with the Higher Learning Commission, at (417) 328-2072 or lfox@SBUniv.edu.

Additional Program Accreditations

Specific programs at Southwest Baptist University are accredited by:

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
11520 West 119th Street
Overland Park, KS 66213
(913) 339-9356
www.acbsp.org

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
(Computer science and cybersecurity programs only)
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 347-7700
www.abet.org

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Jefferson State Office Building
205 Jefferson Street
P.O. Box 480
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480
(573) 751-4212
dese.mo.gov

National Association of Schools of Music
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, VA 20190
(703) 437-0700
nasm.arts-accredit.org

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3343 Peachtree Road NE Suite 850
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
www.acenursing.org

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 706-3245
capteonline.org

Council on Social Work Education
1701 Duke Street, Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-8080
www.cswe.org

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
(312) 704-5300
www.jrcert.org

The ASN and PLBSN degrees have full approval status granted by:
Missouri State Board of Nursing
3605 Missouri Boulevard
P.O. Box 656
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0656
(573) 751-0618

Affiliations

Southwest Baptist University is a member of:

Consortium of Global Education
Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)
International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities
Missouri Baptist Convention
National Association of College and University Business Officers
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

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