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Online Learning Quality

Quality in online learning is extremely important. The online programs and courses at Northern Illinois University are accredited and of the same high quality and rigor as our face-to-face programs.

Higher Learning Commission Accreditation

NIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to offer fully online courses and degrees.

Learn more about HLC requirements for online education

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement

NIU was recognized as an institutional participant by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) in February, 2016. This allows NIU to enroll students from participating states in our online courses and programs.

Learn more about NC-SARA and state reciprocity

Standards and Principles

All new and redeveloped courses are expected to meet essential standards and are strongly encouraged to meet exemplary standards. We support and partner with faculty to ensure standards are met.

Learn more about essential standards for online courses

Quality Review for Online Courses

NIU has adopted the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) course review scorecard to guide development and continuous improvement of our online courses.

Learn more about the OLC standards and implementation at NIU

Contact Us

Center for Innovative
Teaching and Learning

Phone: 815-753-0595
Email: citl@niu.edu