The Association of Christian Colleges & Theological Schools

Purpose

ACCTS is an independent accreditation agency that operates to provide approval for Christian colleges, universities and bible schools that choose not to seek approval from others sources due to ideological standards or convictions. ACCTS states that it aids in the improvement of these institutions while allowing schools to continue to operate independently and according to their own standards of Christian service.

Schools that seek ACCTS accreditation must be postsecondary institutions with a legal government certificate to operate, a governing board and CEO, mission statement, statement of policy and procedure, fiscal budget, one or more academic programs, institutional catalogue and enrolled students. Schools must also present an ACCTS application for accreditation, an ACCTS self-study report and an independent review from a committee of peers. The institution must also submit to an evaluation visit from ACCTS before accreditation is granted.

Schools accredited by the ACCTS include Louisiana Baptist University in Shreveport, Louisiana; the California Pacific School of Theology in Glendale, California; Pacific International University in Springfield, Missouri; and Pacific National University in Inglewood, California. While these school have ACCTS support, none of them is listed as "accredited," according to national government standards.

The ACCTS does not hold a government license or recognition from the Department of Education. This makes institutions accredited by the ACCTS ineligible for government financial support, and brings into question the legitimacy of the organization and its supported institutions. In 2001, Tyndale Theological Seminary, which was then supported by the ACCTS, was fined by the Texas state government for not meeting state standards and operating without accreditation. While the 2001 trial ruled in favor of Tyndale, in 2003 the fine was reinstated and Tyndale was required to pay $173,000 in fines.