Accreditation provides assurance that a university is committed to the continuous improvement of its academic programs. Each designation shows that the college meets national standards and is held accountable for achieving its educational goals.

Cornerstone University—including Cornerstone Theological Seminary—is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC approved Cornerstone for accreditation on April 13, 1977.

In addition, the University currently holds memberships with the following organizations:

• National Association of Schools and Music (since 2001)
• Association of Theological Schools (since 2002)
• Council on Social Work Education (since 2004)
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) (since 2019)
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) (since 2021)
• Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
• Council of Independent Colleges
• National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
• Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities
• Michigan Department of Education
• West Michigan President’s Compact Committee

CORNERSTONE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

As a member in good standing with The Association of Theological Schools (ATS), Cornerstone Theological Seminary affirms the value of accrediting standards.

These standards foster attention to good practices within graduate theological education, providing a structure and guide for institutional integrity, accountability, self-assessment and improvement. Cornerstone Theological Seminary is committed to honoring these standards in the process and product of its endeavors in theological education. If a student identifies a violation of the accrediting standards of The Association of Theological Schools, they are encouraged to bring this matter to the attention of the CTS dean. If compliance with the accrediting standard is not achieved in a reasonable and credible manner, the student can bring this grievance to the attention of the accrediting agency. Specifically, the grievance should be made in writing and a copy should be sent to the dean. The grievance should be mailed to the following address:

The Association of Theological Schools
10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15275-1110