More megachurches want to be your alma mater
Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama closed after 168 years due to financial struggles, while megachurch-affiliated schools like Highlands College—backed by the Church of the Highlands—are expanding with a focus on job training and church culture. These new institutions often lack traditional accreditation, raising concerns about credit transferability and federal funding eligibility despite growing public support and donations from wealthy patrons.
Birmingham-Southern College, a 168-year-old Methodist liberal arts school in Alabama, graduated its final class in May 2024 and permanently shut its doors amid years of financial losses. The college had produced notable alumni, including members of Congress and Pulitzer Prize winners, but struggled with declining enrollment and rising costs, mirroring challenges faced by many private Christian colleges nationwide. Meanwhile, megachurch-affiliated colleges like Highlands College—affiliated with the Church of the Highlands, the largest religious congregation in Alabama—are thriving. The school, which received state approval to award bachelor’s degrees in 2024, enrolled its first freshman class and is expanding with major donations, including a $20 million gift from the Green family, founders of Hobby Lobby. These institutions prioritize practical job training in ministry and business over traditional liberal arts curricula, leveraging their built-in congregant base for enrollment growth. Unlike established colleges, many megachurch-affiliated schools avoid regional accreditation, opting instead for religious nonprofit accreditation that may not be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This limits students’ ability to transfer credits or qualify for federal financial aid, though supporters argue the schools offer strong community ties and vocational preparation. Some states, including Florida, Georgia, and Minnesota, have expanded public funding to religious colleges, raising concerns about accountability and transparency. Critics, such as Adam Laats, a professor at Binghamton University, warn that public funding for these schools could restrict students’ future opportunities without their awareness. While megachurch colleges attract wealthy donors and grow rapidly, their lack of traditional accreditation and close ties to specific faith communities remain points of contention in higher education debates.
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