Cloud of Probationary Accreditation Lifted From SC State

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – The probationary cloud over South Carolina State University has been lifted, ending worries over the possibility its accreditation could be revoked and force the school to close.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges decided Thursday to fully restore SC State’s membership.

The 120-year-old university has been on probation since 2014. Continuing probation wasn’t an option.

The decision follows drastic actions by legislators to keep the school open.

Last year, they fired the entire board and appointed temporary members to make deep budget cuts. Lawmakers recently passed a bill forgiving SC State of $12 million in state loans and approving a 16-year repayment schedule for a separate, $6 million loan.

The loss of accreditation would have meant students would no longer be eligible for federal financial aid.