Alliance University Accreditation Ceases August 31, 2023

On August 24, 2023, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) acted to note that accreditation for Alliance University, including all locations, will cease on August 31, 2023.

Following receipt of the notification of closure by Alliance University, the Commission took action on July 27, 2023, to require Alliance University submit a substantive change for institutional closure by August 15, 2023. The institution failed to submit the substantive change request for institutional closure due August 15, 2023, which would have provided additional information that would be helpful to students at all locations. On August 16, 2023, the institution requested the Commission consider a voluntary surrender of accreditation and membership. That was rejected on August 24, 2023.

The Commission acted to approve additional teach-out agreements for the benefit of students, but the teach-out plan was rejected. All approved teach-out agreements are listed at the Alliance University Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) at the Commission’s website.

The Commission rejected the teach-out agreement with Seminario Evangelico de Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, because the institution is not in good standing with an accrediting agency recognized by the USDE.

Students at the branch campus in Puerto Rico must understand that the cease date of accreditation impacts them as well. The branch campus is no longer accredited once Alliance University accreditation has ended. Despite being told of another accreditor serving as the primary accreditor for the Puerto Rico campus for fall of 2023, the Commission has been unable to verify any other institutional accreditation as of September 1, 2023. In addition, as of the date of the action on August 24, 2023, the Commission has been unable to verify degree granting authority for the branch campus separate from Alliance University, from either New York State Education Department (NYSED) or the Puerto Rico Board of Postsecondary Institutions. The Commission has been unable to verify degree granting authority or institutional accreditation during the fall 2023 semester for the branch campus, which has implications for students.

The Commission action also noted that conditions it set were violated.

The Commission has again requested the substantive change for institutional closure, which is intended to provide information helpful for students at all locations. That report is due September 6, 2023.

The Commission will continue to post any updates at msche.org, including through the Alliance University FAQ resource.