Institutions
>
University of Valley Forge Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

University of Valley Forge Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

On August 4, 2026, the University of Valley Forge (UVF) notified the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) of a voluntary surrender of accreditation due to unplanned closure. The institution announced that academic instruction will cease on August 26, 2026. As of September 12, 2026, University of Valley Forge will no longer be accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The institution was required to submit a teach-out plan by August 3, 2026, immediately notify all constituents of the immediate withdrawal of accreditation, and immediately notify the University of Valley Forge community, including all governing board members, students, faculty, staff, and others with significant roles, of the status of the institution.

The University of Valley Forge has provided additional information regarding closure, including a University of Valley Forge frequently asked questions (FAQ) resource.

Students

International Students

Student Athletes

Institutions Interested in Teach-Out Agreements with the University of Valley Forge

MSCHE Policies and Procedures

Additional Resources

Contact

Students

What are teach-out plans and teach-out agreements?

A teach-out plan is a written plan developed by the institution that provides for the equitable treatment of students to complete their education. The purpose of the teach-out plan is to make reasonable accommodations and assist students with completing educational programs or credentials or transferring to a new institution. The Commission requires a teach-out plan and teach-out agreements when an institution risks the loss of accreditation or intends to close. Teach-out agreements are specific agreements made by the institution with appropriate teach-out partner institutions. The purpose of the teach-out agreement is to make accommodations for and assist students as much as possible and provide clear and transparent information regarding those arrangements. They are intended to facilitate students’ transition to another institution so they can graduate in a program of their choosing. These agreements are to be negotiated between the University of Valley Forge and other institutions with similar programs of study. Teach-out agreements must focus on students and offer a variety of options for students to complete their education; therefore, institutions cannot designate a preferred or legacy teach-out partner institution.

When a closure occurs, the Commission will continue working with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the United States Department of Education (USDE), to the extent feasible, to assist students in finding reasonable opportunities to complete their education without additional charge in accordance with federal regulation 34 CFR § 602.24(d).

Once the Commission reviews and approves any teach-out agreements, the list of institutions will be made available on the University of Valley Forge Institutional Listing.

Institutions interested in supporting University of Valley Forge students should contact the Commission at [email protected].

The Commission has approved teach-out agreements with the following institutions:

Messiah University, Mechanicsburg, PA (Messiah University UVF Teach-out Agreement)

Eastern University, St. David’s, PA (Eastern University UVF Teach-out Agreement)

Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL (Southeastern University UVF Teach-out Agreement) (accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

The University of Valley Forge has listed other institutions that have come forward to offer to help students with alternative academic options: Additional UVF Transfer Opportunities.

Can students transfer to another institution?

Current students can transfer at any time and to any institution, including those without a teach-out agreement. Students are entitled to receive clear, accurate, and thorough information from the University of Valley Forge about their options to pursue other educational opportunities.

Students cannot be charged additional fees for exercising the option to transfer.

Where can students transfer?

Students can apply for transfer to any institution that meets their needs and where they may qualify for admission. Transfer opportunities are not limited to those institutions that have teach-out agreements with the University of Valley Forge. Students can transfer at any time and to any institution.

What other things should students consider when transferring?

Students should look for an institution that is in good standing with accreditors. Students should always research the accreditation status of the institution they are considering for transfer. MSCHE posts accreditation status for its member institutions in the Institution Directory on our website.

Individual programs may also be accredited by a programmatic accreditor. Students are encouraged to contact both the institutional and programmatic accreditors of institutions and programs to verify the accreditation status of the institution they are considering.

Visit the MSCHE Student Resources page for additional information.

Can the University of Valley Forge charge students additional fees if they withdraw or transfer?

No, the University of Valley Forge cannot charge students additional fees for withdrawing or transferring.

Will all students receive a copy of their transcripts?

University of Valley Forge students who were registered for the Fall 2026 semester will be provided a copy of transcripts. The University of Valley Forge cannot withhold student transcripts.

The University of Valley Forge has reported that students can obtain transcripts by ordering from the National Student Clearinghouse.

What does the closure of the University of Valley Forge mean for my federal student loans?

We encourage you to outreach to the United States Department of Education (USDE) Federal Student Aid (FSA) office. For additional information, visit the USDE FSA Borrower Defense Loan Discharge page. If your school misled you or engaged in other misconduct in violation of certain state laws, you may be eligible for “borrower defense to loan repayment,” sometimes shortened to “borrower defense.” This is the discharge of some or all of your federal student loan debt.

Will students have access to electronic systems after closure?

University of Valley Forge students will maintain access to email, Microsoft Office 365, and Canvas until they official withdraw and the withdrawal is processed. Students will maintain access to email for a period of time after withdrawal to receive important communications and updates from the University of Valley Forge. It is encouraged that students check email on a regular basis to stay current on University matters.

What options do students in foster care have in regard to financial aid?

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has information available regarding the PA Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver (FosterEd) Program. The FosterEd Program waives tuition and mandatory fees charged by most postsecondary institutions in the Commonwealth for youth who are or were in foster care.

International Students

How does the University of Valley Forge’s notification of imminent closure affect international students?

International students attending the University of Valley Forge on a student visa have unique considerations. International students may find more information at EducationUSA’s International Student Visas page.

The University of Valley Forge has reported that currently enrolled international students will receive an email with updated information and should follow the instructions in the email no later than August 15, 2026.

Please note that the institution cannot withhold the transfer of international students’ I-20 to another institution due to unpaid balances. International students should research the SEVP Certification status of the institution they are considering for transfer. SEVP posts SEVP Certified schools on its SEVP School Search.

Visit Resources for additional information.

Who should international students contact for more information?

The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) encourages international students to contact the SEVP Response Center for assistance: Phone: 703-603-3400 Email: [email protected].

Visit Resources for additional information.

Student Athletes

How does the University of Valley Forge’s voluntary surrender and unplanned closure affect student athletes and eligibility?

The University of Valley Forge has reported that student athletes may ask institutions of interest for information on the student-athlete transfer process. This includes members of associations including, but not limited to NCAA, NAIA, USCAA, and NCCAA.

Visit Resources for additional information.

Institutions Interested in Teach-Out Agreements with the University of Valley Forge

What do other institutions with questions about teach-out agreements need to know?

In accordance with the Commission’s Teach-Out Plans and Agreement(s) Policy and Procedures, the teach-out institutions must have candidate for accreditation status or accreditation status and be in good standing with an accrediting agency recognized by the USDE.

In addition, the teach-out institution must not be subject to any of the following criteria:

A determination by an independent auditor expressing doubt about the institution’s ability to operate as a going concern, or an adverse opinion or a finding of material weakness;
The institution is on probation or equivalent status;
The institution is participating in title IV, HEA under a provisional participation agreement;
The Secretary has placed the institution on heightened cash management (HCM2);
The Secretary has initiated an emergency action against the institution to limit participation in any title IV, HEA program;
An agency has acted to withdraw, terminate or suspend the accreditation or pre-accreditation of the institution;
The institution intends to cease operations entirely;
A state licensing or authorizing agency will or has revoked the institution’s legal authorization; or
The institution is under investigation, subject to an action, or being prosecuted for an issue related to academic quality, misrepresentation, fraud, or other severe matters by a law enforcement agency.

Teach-Out Plans and Agreement(s) Policy and Procedures Section IV. Procedures for the Submission of Teach-Out Agreements of the Procedures outlines the purpose of teach-out agreements, what the agreements should include, and the conditions that a teach-out partner must meet. The responsibility to develop teach-out agreements rests with the University of Valley Forge, which is required to submit a teach-out plan and agreement(s), and MSCHE does not develop the agreements. Teach-out plans and agreements must be approved by MSCHE.

A teach-out agreement should include a comprehensive description of the arrangements being made for students between the two institutions, including at least the following critical information:

Information on the number and types of credits that will be accepted by the teach-out institution.

Information on the specific locations where instruction will be offered by the teach-out institution.

Any additional financial charges or changes in tuition and fees.

A description of the relevant educational program to ensure that it is comparable in quality and reasonably similar in content, delivery modality, and scheduling.

Any institutional policy or curriculum exceptions for the benefit of the students.

Can institutions without an approved teach-out agreement accept students who wish to transfer from the University of Valley Forge?

Yes, any institution can consider transfer students from the University of Valley Forge. Institutions without an approved teach-out agreement can accept students who wish to transfer from the University of Valley Forge. If any exceptions to institutions’ policies or procedures are made to facilitate the award of transfer credit and academic progress for students, including but not limited to admissions, transfer of credit, or residency requirements, the exceptions and conditions under which the exception was applied must be justified and documented and must continue to comply with applicable law.

Can institutions receiving the University of Valley Forge students make exceptions to transfer policies or required residency policies to assist students?

Some institutions do include exceptions to transfer policies or required residency policies in the teach-out agreements; however, institutions must document under what circumstances an exception was made and the conditions that must be met for the exception to be applied. Without a teach-out agreement, institutions making exceptions to accommodate the University of Valley Forge students who transfer must also document exceptions.

Transfer Credit, Prior Learning, and Articulation Agreements Policy and Procedures requires institutions to seek to minimize the loss of credit for students wherever possible. Institutions should strive for appropriate balance among consistency, fairness, flexibility, good educational practice, and academic program integrity.

In addition, institutions must always remain mindful of state requirements and regulations and, in matters governed by state regulations, comply with state law or obtain an exception from the appropriate state agency. The institution must also comply with the requirements for programmatic accreditors.

Can institutions enter into a teach-out agreement that includes a program not currently offered?

The partner institution must have the appropriate state authority and the capacity to offer a program. Institutions are responsible for ensuring appropriate program approval and registration. Institutional representatives should outreach to their state licensing agency to ensure any requirements relating to programs delivered in the state are met. Institutions must be mindful of programmatic accreditor requirements and should consult with the programmatic accreditor to ensure that their requirements are met.

Can institutions make exceptions to some degree and/or general education requirements?

Partner institutions should do a program-to-program articulation, which includes an analysis of how student learning outcomes for courses in one institution are equivalent to outcomes for courses in the other institution. Institutions must determine degree requirements and any substitutions based on institutional policies and procedures. If exceptions are made, those should be documented and justified.

Who should institutions interested in teach-out agreements with the University of Valley Forge contact?

Institutions interested in supporting University of Valley Forge students should contact the Commission at [email protected].

MSCHE Policies and Procedures

Accreditation Actions Policy and Procedures

Accreditation Review Cycle and Monitoring Policy and Procedures

Communication in the Accreditation Process Policy and Procedures

Public Disclosures Policy and Procedures

Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation

Teach-Out Plans and Agreement(s) Policy and Procedures

Transfer Credit, Prior Learning, and Articulation Agreements Policy and Procedures

Substantive Change Policy and Procedures

Additional Resources

United States Department of Education

Federal Student Aid Closed School Contacts

Office of Federal Student Aid

Federal Student Aid Feedback Center

The Federal Student Aid Closed School resource can provide assistance if your college or career school closed while you were enrolled, or soon after you withdrew.

Federal Student Aid Borrower Defense Loan Discharge

If your school misled you or engaged in other misconduct in violation of certain state laws, you may be eligible for “borrower defense to loan repayment,” sometimes shortened to “borrower defense.” This is the discharge of some or all of your federal student loan debt. Visit the link above for more information.