Olivet University Retains Religious Accreditation Despite Challenges

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Olivet University, a California-based Bible college, will maintain its national accreditation with the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) for another year, despite facing state and federal investigations, legal challenges, and having its accreditation previously threatened.

Why it matters

Olivet University's ability to maintain its accreditation is crucial for the school to continue operating, especially in hosting international students. The decision by ABHE comes amid ongoing legal and regulatory issues the school has faced for years.

The details

In February 2026, ABHE decided to remove an earlier 'show cause' order and continue Olivet University's accreditation, citing the school's 'substantial compliance' with ABHE standards, though a monitoring report is still required. Olivet University operates campuses in several states and offers degrees from bachelor's to doctoral level, with many international students. The school has faced a range of allegations over the years, including violations cited by California's Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, and has been dogged by legal troubles.

• In December 2024, a California Administrative Law Judge ruled that Olivet University committed 14 violations brought by the state's Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
• In July 2022, New York revoked Olivet's ability to operate credit-bearing courses or programs in the state.
• In 2025, ABHE had ordered Olivet to 'show cause' on why it should remain accredited.

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security declined to bring charges against Olivet University last year after investigating allegations of money laundering, visa fraud, and human and labor trafficking, but the school still faces a civil action by four students who say they were lured to the school under false pretenses and forced into labor to pay off outstanding debts.