The Commission Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools announced today that Ave Maria University (AMU) has officially been awarded “accredited membership” status and is now an accredited member of the COC.

“We have been looking forward to this day for many years,” said Tom Monaghan, Founder and Chancellor. “As an institution of higher education, we set out to receive regional accreditation for the good of everyone associated with the university, and it is very gratifying to receive this recognition. We are excited about what this means for our alumni and the entire university community, especially our students.”

AMU currently offers 10 undergraduate majors: Biology; Classics; Economics; History; Literature; Mathematics; Music; Philosophy; Politics; and Theology.  At its campus in Nicaragua, AMU also offers three degree programs in business administration, politics, and psychology. Additionally, AMU offers two masters degrees and a Ph.D. program in Theology.

SACS membership will directly benefit AMU students, especially those planning on entering post-graduate programs. Though AMU has been accredited by the American Academy for Liberal Education (AALE) since 2008, some graduate programs accept only alumni of regionally accredited schools.  SACS is one of six regional accrediting associations that accredit institutions of higher education in the United States. 

Membership also will impact university funding and makes AMU eligible to receive additional foundation grants and increased federal and state resources, which would allow the institution to improve and expand programs for students.