Starting a Religiously Exempt University or College
We provide the licensing and accreditation needed to establish a new university and offer comprehensive guidance throughout the process.
This involves helping our clients understand all the legal and financial requirements around university establishment, as well as providing marketing and branding advice to ensure their university or college stands out from other educational institutions.
Our competitors can only offer a limited service, either licensing or accreditation, as most don't have the skills or team required to provide a turnkey service. This is why EEC stands out from the crowd – we can offer our clients everything they need to get their university off the ground easily and efficiently.
This involves helping our clients understand all the legal and financial requirements around university establishment, as well as providing marketing and branding advice to ensure their university or college stands out from other educational institutions.
Our competitors can only offer a limited service, either licensing or accreditation, as most don't have the skills or team required to provide a turnkey service. This is why EEC stands out from the crowd – we can offer our clients everything they need to get their university off the ground easily and efficiently.
We aim to provide a complete service that will give our clients every chance of success when setting up their university. With EEC, you get a complete package of expertise and support for your university startup project.
At EEC we're looking at building a long-term relationship with our clients, where launching a university is only the first step.
We are confident that no other company can match our team of experts and their specialized knowledge.
At EEC we're looking at building a long-term relationship with our clients, where launching a university is only the first step.
We are confident that no other company can match our team of experts and their specialized knowledge.
A “religious-exempt” college or seminary is one that teaches solely religious or ministerial subjects under the ownership or control of a bona-fide church or denomination. Where allowed, this status lets founders bypass the usual higher-education license so long as they:
- Limit offerings to faith-based programs (biblical studies, ministry, sacred music, etc).
- Label every award as religious (e.g., Bachelor of Biblical Studies rather than B.A.).
- File any notice or affidavit the state requires and keep consumer disclosures clear.
- Stay out of secular coursework and federal student-aid programs.
State-by-State Religious-Exemption Matrix
*Process snapshots are condensed for quick reference; always consult current statutes and agency guidance before proceeding.
Key Take-Aways
- Check your category first. If your state shows “No Exemption,” plan on full licensure from day one.
- For exempt states, keep a paper trail. Even “automatic” exemptions can be challenged if the school drifts into secular studies or mislabels credentials.
- Disclose clearly. Most exempt states require a statement such as “This institution is a religious school and is exempt from state oversight.”
- Stay mission-pure. Adding secular courses voids the exemption and may invite fines or closure.
With a narrowly defined faith-based curriculum, transparent marketing, and the correct state filing, launching a religious-exempt college or seminary can be far simpler—and less costly—than pursuing a conventional license.
