On November 17-18, 2025, NNMC will host the Higher Learning Commission Peer Review Team on campus for an Open Pathway Comprehensive Evaluation Site Visit. The purpose of the visit is to ensure NNMC is meeting the Criteria for Accreditation and pursuing continuous quality improvements.
2025 Reaffirmation of HLC Accreditation for Northern
Northern New Mexico College moved to the Open Pathways model for accreditation after our 2016 Reaffirmation of Accreditation. The Open Pathways model requires 3 reviews:
Year 4: Mid-cycle Assurance Review: In 2020, HLC-appointed peer reviewers evaluated the institution based on HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation and other requirements. The review occurred virtually, without a campus visit. Read it on our website here.
Years 5–9: Quality Initiatives: In 2024, NNMC reported our Quality Initiative after participating in the HLC Student Success Academy. The College worked to design and implement a project aimed at improving student retention and completion rates. Institutions are required to submit a project proposal between Years 5 and 7 and then report on the outcomes between Years 7 and 9. Peer reviewers evaluate both the project proposals and the outcomes reports.
Year 10: Comprehensive Evaluation for Reaffirmation of Accreditation: In November 2025 we will have our Year 10 evaluation process where HLC determines whether the institution’s accreditation should be reaffirmed. Institutions are evaluated based on HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation and other requirements. Peer reviewers review materials, visit campus, and consider feedback from students and community members. The team also reviews the institution’s compliance with certain federal requirements.
From the President
Over the coming months, as we work together to prepare for the reaffirmation of Northern’s accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), I want to first acknowledge and thank each of you for your unique contribution to making Northern a place where students realize their dreams. While our accreditation is hugely important to validating the quality of our work here, the accreditation process is also an opportunity to reflect and showcase the high quality of our work and all that we do to support our students’ success.
Through this process, we have an exciting opportunity to come together and discuss our strengths, assess how we operate, and identify areas where we can continue to grow into the future.
As we do this work together, I encourage you to reflect on Northern’s mission, vision, and values, as this process at its core is about demonstrating how we express those principles every day through our work.
Thank you again for your shared commitment and for all that you do. I know that together we will show that not only does Northern satisfy the standards for accreditation, but that we go above and beyond those in our support of our students and our community.
Respectfully,
Hector Balderas, JD, CFE