Higher Learning Commission
Cost Estimator Worksheet
FY 2011 - 2012
 Cost Estimator* for Comprehensive, Candidacy, and Initial Accreditation Visits

*The number of peer reviewers and their geographic locations are determined by the Commission based on the size and unique characteristics of your institution. The formula used to determine costs is subject to revision. This tool is for planning purposes only; the Commission will bill your institution for the actual cost following the visit.
 
  Base Fee # of Reviewers Visit Length Travel Meals (per day) Lodging (per day) Expenses per Reviewer Team Expenses Honoraria Total Reviewer Days Additional Reviewer Days Additional Reviewer Days Charge Estimated Total
 
Example University: $5,400 5 3 $700 $60 $120 $1,240 $6,200 $4,000 15 0 $0 $15,600
Your Institution:
Instructions:
  • Fill in the yellow cells above with information about your institution's visit.
  • The spreadsheet will calculate estimated costs in the salmon-colored cells.
  • Information in the blue cell is for reference only and is not calculated into the total.
A description of each cell is provided below.
Base Fee The base fee is set by the Commission. For FY 2011-2012, the fee for Comprehensive, Candidacy, and Initial Accreditation visits is $5,400. Contact your liaison to discuss other visits. Refer to the Commission's current Dues & Fees for official information.
Number of Reviewers Enter the number of reviewers who will visit your institution. This information is found on your Evaluation Summary Sheet (ESS). You may also estimate this number based on your last visit or contact your HLC liaison for assistance.
Visit Length Enter 3 for Comprehensive, Candidacy, or Initial Accreditation visits.
Travel Enter the estimated total travel costs per peer reviewer, including mileage, airfare, taxi/shuttle, etc.
Meals Enter the estimated meal cost per day per peer reviewer.
Lodging Enter the estimated lodging cost per reviewer per day.
Expenses per Reviewer Total travel, meals, and lodging for one reviewer.
Team Expenses Total travel, meals, and lodging for the team.
Honoraria Reviewers are paid an honorarium of $700 for the visit. Team chairs receive an additional $500 to $1,500 depending on the size of the team.
Total Reviewer Days This is the number of days of the visit multiplied by the number of reviewers. Unique visit aspects may increase the actual days needed.
Additional Reviewer Days Visits that exceed 18 reviewer days are billed an extra $500 for each additional reviewer day. This formula determines the number of additional days, if any.
Additional Reviewer Days Charge This is the total charge for additional reviewer days.
Estimated Total Total visit estimate. This is only an estimate and not the actual cost. The Commission will bill your institution following the visit.
Revised 8/11