Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh has lost its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This means students can no longer get federal financial aid, and their degrees may not be recognised.
For many years, the university has faced a series of challenges, including low student enrollment, substantial debt, and ineffective leadership. A former board chairman even admitted to financial mismanagement. The school now plans to take legal action, hoping to stop the decision, but the court case may cost up to $1 million. SAU says it will start virtual classes in 2025 and promises students can still get valid degrees. Leaders claim they are working on a significant real estate deal to pay off debts and save the school, but past deals of this nature have failed. Alumni leaders are calling for a change in leadership, stating that they will not support fundraising for a lawsuit if the current board remains in charge.