MARIETTA, Ohio, Aug. 25, 2026 — The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has reaffirmed Marietta College's accreditation through the 2035-2036 academic year, confirming that the institution continues to meet standards for academic quality, student support and long-term sustainability.
HLC accredits colleges and universities across the United States and verifies that institutions meet standards for quality and continuous improvement.
“Successfully meeting every criterion for reaccreditation is a true testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff, the quality of the education that Marietta College provides, and the hard work we have done over the last several years to position our institution for a thriving future,” President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty said. “I couldn't be prouder of our campus community.”
The decision followed a comprehensive review conducted during the 2025-2026 academic year. The College met every criterion for accreditation without any concerns requiring additional monitoring before the College's next review in 10 years.
The review team praised the College's realistic strategic plan and its alignment with the institution's mission. The team concluded that Marietta has "made progress on these goals and has developed a positive momentum," supported by indicators of financial health.
The review team’s report recognized that Marietta College “demonstrates a strong commitment to student success through a coordinated, multilayered approach that supports students from entry through persistence.” The report highlighted experiential education as a cornerstone of the Marietta experience, noting that every undergraduate completes at least one hands-on learning experience before graduation.
The team specifically highlighted The Landmark Experience, Marietta's signature program of hands-on learning opportunities available to every student.
“Many of the opportunities have direct links to serving the public good,” the report stated, “with examples including opportunities for students to serve on the boards of local nonprofits, student-led and faculty-advised consulting for community entities, and the operation of a thrift store for the benefit of the greater Marietta community.”
The full accreditation process included a substantive self-study, a review of institutional data, a campus visit and meetings with students, faculty and staff. The team's findings were then reviewed by HLC's Institutional Actions Council.
The review team found that Marietta met all criteria within HLC’s four core components:
- Mission: Confirms that the College has a clearly stated public mission and that the mission guides its decisions, priorities and daily operations.
- Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct: Confirms that, in carrying out its mission, the College acts ethically, responsibly and with integrity.
- Teaching and Learning for Student Success: Confirms that the College takes responsibility for the quality and effectiveness of its academic programs, learning environments and student support services, and that program quality is consistent across formats and locations.
- Sustainability: Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning: Confirms that the College has the resources, structures, policies, procedures and planning needed to fulfill its mission, strengthen academic quality and respond to future challenges and opportunities.
The 18 sub-components include areas such as transparency, planning, resource base, support for student learning, outcomes, mission and public good, as well as federal compliance measures.
The team noted the College's "profoundly positive effect" on the region through academic centers, public lectures, performing arts programs, student-run media, summer camps and community outreach initiatives.
Overall, the review team found:
- The College continues to provide the teaching and student support expected.
- Current leadership has built strong relationships across campus.
- The strategic plan contains realistic goals supported by budget projections that point toward stable, positive net revenue.
- The College continues to add programs that support its mission and meet regional needs.
- Faculty and staff expressed confidence in the College's direction and future plans.
“For our academic community, this reaffirmation is a meaningful validation of the quality and rigor of Marietta College’s academic enterprise,” said Suzanne Walker, Provost and Dean of the Faculty. “It affirms that our programs are mission-centered, consistently strong and focused on student success, and it reflects the sustained work of our faculty and staff to deliver an education that prepares students well for lives of purpose and leadership.”
About Marietta College
Located in Marietta, Ohio, at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, Marietta College is a four-year liberal arts college with a strong focus on experiential learning, leadership, and service. Chartered in 1835, the College serves approximately 1,000 full-time undergraduate and graduate students, fostering the confidence, optimism and opportunity needed to build meaningful careers and lives of purpose. Marietta College is consistently recognized among top regional colleges by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Forbes.com, Wall Street Journal/College Pulse and other rankings. marietta.edu/rankings-success.
Media Contact:
Chasity Anderson
Marketing & Public Relations Specialist: Copywriter/Editor
304.210.1464
ca002@marietta.edu
Media Contact:
Chasity Anderson
Marketing & Public Relations Specialist: Copywriter/Editor
304.210.1464
ca002@marietta.edu