Association of Independent Christian Colleges and Seminaries

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Become an
AICCS Member

Member's Information

Your First Step Into the AICCS Global Network

AICCS welcomes Christian colleges, seminaries, Bible institutes, and ministry training centers into a global fellowship of institutions committed to academic credibility, ethical leadership, and ministry excellence. Membership is the entry point for schools that desire relationship, accountability, and participation in the AICCS community.

Membership is not accreditation, but it is the foundation for institutions that plan to pursue AICCS Candidacy and accreditation in the future.

Become a Member

Why Become a Member?

AICCS membership affirms that your institution:

  • Operates with Christian moral and ethical integrity
  • Maintains academic credibility and responsible governance
  • Functions legally within its state or country
  • Supports the mission and values of AICCS
  • Desires a connection with a global network of ministry schools.

Membership provides:

  • Recognition as an AICCS Member School
  • Access to AICCS resources and guidance
  • Eligibility to request accreditation candidacy
  • Fellowship with institutions worldwide
  • Support in understanding state or international compliance
  • Invitations to AICCS training and development opportunities

Membership provides:

  • Recognition as an AICCS Member School
  • Access to AICCS resources and guidance
  • Eligibility to request candidacy for accreditation
  • Fellowship with institutions worldwide
  • Support in understanding state or international compliance
  • Invitations to AICCS training and development opportunities

International schools may join as Approved Members at no cost.

Member Basics

AICCS Eligibility

All AICCS Certified Member schools MUST comply with all applicable state and national regulations governing Christian institutions of higher learning. To qualify for membership, institutions must:

  • Affirm the AICCS Statement of Faith
  • Commit to the AICCS Standards of Excellence
  • Demonstrate ethical leadership and financial integrity
  • Submit the required application and documentation
  • Comply with all legal requirements for religious, nontraditional, or exempt institutions in their own state or country.

AICCS member schools covenant to uphold Christ’s Golden Rule, conducting all operations in a manner that supports—not competes with—the mission of fellow ministries.

AICCS Member Requirement

All member schools must operate in compliance with the legal requirements of their own jurisdiction. U.S. institutions must follow their state’s laws governing religious, nontraditional, or exempt schools. International institutions must comply with the education and ministry regulations of their respective countries.

Member Responsibilities

All AICCS member schools must comply with the legal requirements of their jurisdiction and uphold the AICCS Standards of Excellence. Member institutions agree to:

  • maintain academic credibility and responsible governance
  • demonstrate ethical leadership and financial integrity
  • support the mission and values of AICCS
  • comply with all applicable state or national regulations governing Christian ministry education

AICCS member schools covenant together to uphold Christ’s Golden Rule, conducting all operations in a manner that supports—not competes with—the mission of fellow ministries. Members agree not to engage in practices that would harm the outreach or effectiveness of another collegial ministry endeavor.

All details regarding applications, documentation, and ongoing membership requirements are provided privately through the AICCS Membership Information Packet upon request.

 

When a School May Be Declined

AICCS may decline membership if:

  • The institution’s mission falls outside the scope of Christian ministry education
  • The school lacks the foundational structure needed for meaningful review
  • The institution cannot demonstrate lawful operation
  • The educational model is incompatible with AICCS standards

Institutions not approved for membership are welcome to strengthen the noted areas and reapply when ready.

Become a Member

Certified Membership

Interested schools may submit the New Member Form. Once membership is approved, the institution is added to the AICCS Member School community and gains access to AICCS resources and support.

Become a Member

Next Steps

Interested schools may submit the New Member Form. Once membership is approved, the institution is added to the AICCS Activity page and gains access to AICCS resources and support.

Next Steps

Only Approved Member Schools may request Candidacy for Accreditation. Learn more about the accreditation pathway on the Accreditation Overview page.