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The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) issued this Financial Distress Designation for Antioch College on November 25, 2024 (November 2024). The designation means the college remains accredited but has been formally cited for a going-concern audit finding and heavy endowment borrowing, triggering mandatory oversight and cost-cutting. This affects Antioch students, faculty, and the future of the institution.
November 25, 2024 designation notice from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) placing Antioch College on Financial Distress. HLC based the designation on information from a complaint indicating that the institution’s auditors made a going concern audit finding, as well as broader concerns about the institution’s finances. Antioch College remains accredited pending an advisory visit in February 2025 addressing HLC Criteria for Accreditation Core Component 5.B.
Antioch College
Financial Distress Designation
Effective: November 25, 2024
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has assigned a Financial Distress designation to Antioch
College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, based on information received in a complaint indicating that the
institution’s auditors made a going concern audit finding, in addition to concerns about the institution’s
finances more generally.
A Financial Distress designation is a consumer protection mechanism meant to apprise the public that
current conditions at an accredited college or university raise potential concerns about its resource
base to support its educational programs as required by HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation, including Core
Component 5.B. HLC does not undertake any independent evaluation of the institution in advance of
assigning a designation.
Antioch College remains accredited while it pursues efforts to address the circumstances that have led
to the designation.
What the Financial Distress Designation Means for Students
In most cases, colleges and universities will continue to accept the college’s credits for transfer and
admission to other higher degree programs and institutions. As all colleges and universities define their
own transfer credit and admission policies, students interested in other institutions are advised to seek
information on individual transfer and admission policies.
Next Steps
The institution will host an advisory visit in February 2025 on various HLC requirements, including Core
Component 5.B. HLC anticipates the designation will remain in place until the advisory visit process
concludes. Following action on the advisory visit by an appropriate decision-making body, HLC will
determine whether the designation can be removed or if other action is necessary.
To provide transparency for all stakeholders, HLC publishes a Directory of Institutions on its website. The
directory includes information about a college or university’s accreditation status, recent activities and
upcoming activities.
About the Higher Learning Commission
The Higher Learning Commission accredits approximately 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States. HLC
is a private, nonprofit accrediting agency. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for
Higher Education Accreditation. Questions? Contact info@hlcommission.org or call 312.263.0456.
Date of Action: November 25, 2024
Date of Posting: November 26, 2024
