University of Valley Forge announces it will suspend operations after summer semester

The University of Valley Forge, a small private Christian institution in Chester County, on Wednesday announced that it would suspend operations at the end of its summer 2026 semester.

The Charlestown Township-based college — which enrolls 589 students, according to the National Center for Education Statistics — has been facing the possible loss of its accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Middle States last month issued its most serious warning — “show cause” — to the small Christian college that prepares students for leadership in the church and the world. It cited concerns about finances, planning, and governance.

Colleges need accreditation to keep their students eligible for financial aid.

The University of Valley Forge recently said on its website that it planned to charge $41,020 in tuition, fees, and room and board for next academic school year, which was scheduled to start Aug. 30.

The school employed 419 people in 2021, according to the school’s most recently filed Form 990. With expenses of $20.2 million, the school operated with a $1.9 million loss that year.

“After much prayer, careful consideration, and consultation, the Board of Trustees of the University of Valley Forge has made the difficult and painful decision to suspend academic operations at the conclusion of the Summer 2026 semester,” the board said in a statement.

“This decision follows extensive efforts to address the University’s financial challenges, pursue strategic partnerships, and identify sustainable paths forward. These challenges have been well documented over several decades and were reflected in the recent action of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which placed the University on Show Cause status,” the board said.

“After careful assessment of the University’s financial realities, the Board concluded that it could not continue academic operations responsibly beyond the Summer 2026 semester,” the board said.

The 87-year-old institution — which is affiliated with the Assemblies of God USA denomination — will maintain staff and services to help students continue their education elsewhere, the board said.

“To our students, we are deeply sorry. We understand that this announcement disrupts your lives, your plans, and your sense of stability, and we are grieving for you and with you,” the board said.

“Please know that until the very last moment, we had significant reason to believe there was a sustainable path forward. However, that path did not materialize in time,” the board said.