Could The Worst University In Missouri Lose Accreditation?

This past June I wrote an article about how one Missouri University in St. Louis ranked #1 on the Earn Spend Live website's list of "The College Not Worth Attending In Each State, Ranked". Now that university might lose its accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission.

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Earn Spend Live ranked Harris-Stowe State University as the Missouri University not worth attending because of low graduation rates, the low rate of students who graduate on time, and the amount of student debt graduates incur.

I mention this because it can be difficult to discern what the Higher Learning Commission is saying in its notice. The accrediting body says The University is in compliance with HLC requirements, however, the accrediting body has concerns about several core components it needs the University to address before February 1, 2024.

According to several St. Louis news outlets including KMOV 2, The Higher Learning Commission's concerns include a late audit and one of the things cited by the Earn Spend Live ranking, low graduation rates. The HLC, apparently wants the University to have a plan to improve student retention and graduation rates.

I took issue with the Earn Spend Live ranking because of Harris-Stowe State University's mission to serve underserved and under-resourced students in the St. Louis area. As well as the University's focus on degree programs in education, arts and sciences, and business doesn't necessarily help students recoup their educational investment in tuition quickly.

Yet I do think The University should be working to help students, especially those coming from tough situations, have a successful collegiate experience. One that helps them get from their first semester to graduation. In that respect, I think the HLC putting Harris-Stowe State University on notice is a good thing. I also expect the University will meet the challenges The Higher Learning Commission has put in front of them.