LSTC Achieves Successful Reaffirmation of ATS and HLC Accreditation

The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) is proud to announce the successful reaffirmation of its accreditation by both the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). These achievements underscore LSTC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of theological education and ensures that LSTC remains steadfast in its mission to provide exceptional theological education and to serve its community with integrity and excellence.

ATS Accreditation Reaffirmation

LSTC underwent a comprehensive review by an ATS visit team from February 19-22. The team’s detailed assessments and evaluations culminated in a final report on March 11. This report, characterized by its positive and encouraging findings, was ratified without alterations by the ATS Commission on Accrediting on June 4. This reaffirmation extends LSTC’s ATS accreditation for the next ten years, until 2034. The review process highlighted several affirmations and recommendations aimed at continuous improvement. LSTC will submit three interim reports in 2025, 2026, and 2028 to ensure ongoing compliance with ATS standards and to document continuous enhancements to its educational offerings.

HLC Accreditation Reaffirmation

Parallel to the ATS review, LSTC hosted a visit team from the HLC on April 29-30 for a mid-cycle comprehensive review. This critical evaluation is essential for maintaining our accreditation status and ensuring the continued high quality of our academic programs. The visit team’s report was submitted to LSTC on May 17 and subsequently reviewed for factual accuracy before being forwarded to the HLC Institutional Actions Council (IAC).

On July 16, the IAC formally approved the visit team’s report and recommendations without any changes. This approval extends LSTC’s HLC accreditation through the 2029-2030 academic year. The institution is required to submit only one interim report in 2027, reflecting the confidence HLC has in LSTC’s ongoing operations and educational quality.

In a statement to the campus community, President James Nieman celebrated this news and thanked the steering committee who worked diligently throughout both accreditation processes.

The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) is a membership organization of graduate schools in the United States and Canada that offer graduate-level theological education. ATS is responsible for accrediting these schools and ensuring that they meet specific standards of quality and excellence in their educational programs.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent accrediting agency that accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the United States. HLC is one of the six regional institutional accreditors in the U.S., and it primarily serves institutions in the central United States.