This is a list of colleges, seminaries, and universities that do not have educational accreditation. In many countries, accreditation is defined as a governmental designation.

Degrees or other qualifications from unaccredited institutions may not be accepted by civil service or other employers. Some unaccredited institutions have formal legal authorization to enroll students or issue degrees, but in some jurisdictions (notably including the United States) legal authorization to operate is not the same as educational accreditation.

Institutions that appear on this list are those that have granted post-secondary academic degrees or advertised the granting of such degrees, but which are listed as unaccredited by a reliable source. There are several reasons for an institution not maintaining accreditation. A new institution may not yet have attained accreditation, while a long-established institution may have lost accreditation because of financial difficulties or other factors. Some unaccredited institutions are fraudulent diploma mills. Other institutions (for example, a number of Bible colleges and seminaries) choose not to participate in the accreditation process because they view it as an infringement of their religious, academic, or political freedom. Some government jurisdictions exempt religious institutions from accreditation or other forms of government oversight. Still other institutions are not required to have accreditation.

Some of the institutions on this list are no longer in operation. Several unaccredited universities have names that are similar to those of accredited institutions, and thus some persons may be misled into thinking that an entity is an accredited university. Accreditation is date-related: in the United States, colleges and universities are typically not fully accredited until several years after they open. Also in the United States, many colleges and universities existed prior to the development of the modern accreditation system.

There are many organizations which give their own accreditation, not generally recognised as valid by governments and others, to educational institutions. Many of these are listed in the article List of unrecognized higher education accreditation organizations. Some of the educational institutions listed here claim accreditation from such organizations.

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A

  • A Touch From Above Christian University, California; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Abundant Living Bible College, Kentucky; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Académie Européene d'Informatisation (also known as the World Information Distributed University), Belgium and Russia
  • Academy of Intuition Medicine, California (also called the Academy of Intuition Medicine Online)
  • Academy of Natural Therapies, Hawaii; closed down temporarily
  • Academy of Religious & Spiritual Studies, Oregon;
  • Addison State University, Ontario overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Alberdeen University, New Mexico overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • All Saints American University, Liberia
  • Ambai University, Massachusetts overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • American Century University, New Mexico (formerly known as Century University)
  • American City University
  • American College of Metaphysical Theology, Minnesota
  • American Columbus University, California (not to be confused with the American InterContinental University) not to be confused with the accredited American National University
  • American Pacific University, Vietnam; has falsely claimed affiliation with Central Washington University
  • American Scandinavian University, Texas and Arizona closed in 2007
  • American University of Hawaii, Hawaii and Mississippi and India (not to be confused with the legitimate University of Hawaiʻi)
  • American University of Human Services, Mississippi; closed in 2007
  • American University of Mayonic Science and Technology
  • American University of Sovereign Nations, allegedly Japan, Thailand, United States and the Philippines; from its own website: "AUSN is not regionally or nationally accredited in the United States by traditional accreditation agencies" (affiliated with the unaccredited Accredited Universities of Sovereign Nations)
  • American World University, Mississippi
  • American Worldwide Academy, Florida; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Ames Christian University, Florida
  • Amstead University, Oregon;
  • Anglo-American University, Hawaii
  • Arabic Open University, Denmark
  • Ashford University, United Kingdom (not to be confused with the accredited Ashford University of the same name) (its relationship with Aston University in the UK is unclear)
  • Ateneo di Studi Superiori pro Pace, Italy, Belgium; operated 1978-1988

B

  • Badaganvi Sarkar World Open University Education Society, India
  • Barrington University, Alabama
  • Bay Ridge Christian College (also known as Bay Ridge College), Texas
  • Belford University (not to be confused with the similarly unaccredited University of Bedford, or the legitimate University of Bedfordshire)
  • Beloved Community Seminary, Oregon and Hawaii
  • Berne University, Pennsylvania and Virginia overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Bettis Christian University, Arkansas
  • Bienville University, overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Bircham International University
  • Blacksmith University, Nigeria
  • Bowling University, Texas (not to be confused with the legitimate Bowling Green State University)
  • Brainwells University, California
  • Breakthrough Bible Institute, Queensland (also known as either the Breakthrough Centre or the Breakthrough Centre Bible College); overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Bridgewater University (associated with instantdegrees.com; not to be confused with Bridgewater College or Bridgewater State University)
  • Bridgewood University
  • British West Indies Medical College (also known as West Indies College of Naturopathic Medicine and Surgery)
  • Brixton University, British Columbia; no longer appears to exist as of 2011
  • Bronte International University, Dakota
  • Burnell College, United Kingdom
  • Badaganvi Sarkar World Open University Education Society, Belgium
  • California Institute of Integral Studies, California; overseen by the unaccredited WSCUC Senior College and University Commission
  • California University of Business and Technology, California
  • California Pacific School of Theology, California; claims accreditation from the unaccredited Association of Christian Colleges and Theological Schools
  • California South University, California
  • Calvary Chapel Bible College, California
  • Cal Southern University, Texas
  • Calvary Cathedral International Bible College, Texas; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Cambridge International University, Arizona
  • Canadian School of Management (also known as Revans University), Vanuatu
  • Canterbury University, Seychelles
  • Canyon College, Michigan
  • Capital City Religious Institute, Louisiana;
  • Carlton College, Hong Kong
  • Carmel Bible College, Texas; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International (not to be confused with the legitimate CIBI)
  • Carolina University of Theology, Virginia; website states that school is accredited by Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Champion Leadership Academy, Pennsylvania; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Chess University
  • China University of Posts and Telecommunications, China
  • Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University, Nigeria overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Christ Image Bible College, Texas; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Christian Leadership University, New York overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Clayton College of Natural Health, Alabama
  • Clayton Theological Institute, California
  • Colonial Academy, Illinois
  • Colton University
  • Columbia Pacific University (not to be confused with Commonwealth Institute)
  • Communion of Saints Seminary, Oregon closed at some point between 2017 and 2023
  • Constantinian University, Italy
  • Corllins University, Kansas; closed in 2017
  • Cornerstone Word of Life Bible Institute, Alabama; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Crescent City Christian College, Louisiana
  • Crown College, Washington; lost accreditation in 2007
  • Cumbres de Chile University, Chile

D

  • Delphi University of Spiritual Studies, Georgia
  • Delta International University of New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Destiny College International, Florida (also known as Destiny College); overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Donsbach University, Oregon
  • Dorcas University, Hawaii overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International

E

  • Eagles International Training Institute, Texas; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Earlstown University, UK; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Edenvale University, Texas;
  • Elevate Leadership Institute, Illinois; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Emmanuel Bible College and Seminary, California; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Endtime Ministries International Bible University, California; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Eurasia Community College, Italy
  • European Union University, Spain overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International (not to be confused with the legitimate East-West University of the same name)

F

  • Fairfax University; Louisiana; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Faith Seminary, Massachusetts (formerly known as Oregon Theological Seminary) overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Florida State Christian College, Florida overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Freedom Bible College, Florida; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International was formerly overseen until its closure in 2023
  • Frontier Christian University, Indiana (formerly known as Southern Indiana Bible College)
  • Full Gospel Christian College, Michigan; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Georgian International University, Pennsylvania; unlisted in 2023
  • Gerald Brooks School of Leadership, Texas (also known as the GB School of Leadership); overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Glencullen University, Ireland
  • Glendale University (previously known as Glenndale University)
  • Glenford University, Mississippi; closed in 2007 overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Golden State School of Theology, California
  • Golden State University (also known as Honolulu University of the Arts, Sciences and Humanities), Hawaii (originally located in California) overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International closed in 2002 (not to be confused with the legitimate University of Greenwich)

H

  • Hamilton University, Wyoming (also known as American State University and Richardson University); closed in 2008
  • Harmony Bible Institute Theological Seminary, California; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Heartland Baptist Bible College (formerly known as the Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College), Oklahoma
  • Higher Ground School of Ministry, Florida; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Honolulu University (also known as Honolulu University of the Arts, Sciences, and Humanities and Golden State University)
  • Houdegbe North American University, Nigeria overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International

I

  • Ignite Bible College and Seminary, Wisconsin; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Impact University, North Carolina; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, India
  • Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, India
  • Indiana Bible College, Indiana
  • Indiana Christian University, Indiana
  • Institute for Creation Research Graduate School and School of Biblical Apologetics, Texas
  • Instituto Latinoamericano de Psicobiofisica, Italy
  • Interfaith Seminary, formerly Interfaith School of Theology, New York
  • International Bible University, Californiaand Hawaii
  • International College of Metaphysical Theology, Washington
  • International Institute of Technology, or Institut International Technologie (IIT), Tunisia
  • International Management Centres Association (IMCA or IMC Association), Buckingham
  • International School of Ministry, California; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • International Theological Seminary, Texas; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • International University Vienna, Vienna
  • Isles International University, Ireland (formerly known as the Irish International University and/or the European Business School)
  • ISSEA SA, Switzerland
  • Ivory Carlson University, India
  • International University of America, Pakistan

J

  • Jacksonville Theological Seminary, Mississippi
  • James Monroe University (also called James Monroe International University)
  • JC Reigns Bible School, United Kingdom; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Kent College, Louisiana
  • Kingdom College of Natural Health, Micronesia; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Kingsway Bible University, Iowa (previous known as Mid-States Bible College); claims accreditation from the unaccredited International Association of Bible Colleges and Seminaries
  • Klingon Language Institute, Kentucky (formerly Pennsylvania); does not seek accreditation
  • Knightsbridge University, Denmark and Scotland reported closed as of 2007
  • Landford University
  • Last Days Prophetic Training College, California; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International formerly overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Living Faith School of Theology, South Carolina; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • London College of Technology and Business
  • London External Studies, Nigeria closed but still listed as of 2009
  • Los Angeles University, California
  • Lahore Metropolitan University, Lahore overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Maharana Patap Shiksha Niketan Vishwavidyalaya, India
  • Maithili Vishwavidyalaya, India
  • Metropolitan Collegiate Institute (associated with the fake teaching hospital Sussex General Hospital, both purportedly in London)
  • Metro University, Nigeria overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Miranda International University, Italy closed in 2000
  • More Than Conquerors College, North Carolina; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International part of Independent Baptist Bible College Movement
  • MUST University, California (not to be confused with legitimate schools with similar names that include "University of Science and Technology" after the letter M)

N

  • National University of Nigeria, Nigeria
  • New Age International University, Principality of Seborga
  • New England School of Metaphysics, Connecticut
  • New England State University overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • New West Seminary, Oregon overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • North Carolina Theological Seminary, North Carolina; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Northwestern International University, Ltd., Denmark
  • Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Aligarh overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Oregon College of Ministry, Oregon
  • Ozark Bible Institute, Missouri; loosely connected with the Assemblies of God

P

  • Pacific International University, Missouri; originally was located in Australia
  • Panworld University, probably Pakistan
  • Paris Graduate School, Paris, France, claims accreditation by California University FCE
  • Patriot Bible University, Colorado (formerly known as Patriot University); claims accreditation by the accreditation mill American Accrediting Association of Theological Institutions
  • Pebbles University, Nigeria
  • Phoenix International University Europe
  • Portland Bible College, Oregon
  • Preston University, UK (not to be confused with legitimate institutions located within Preston)
  • Preston University School of Business, Rawalpindi overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Queenston University, Vanuatu, and Australia overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Redeemed Life University, Illinois; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International (not to be confused with the legitimate Regent University)
  • Restorative Christian University, Texas; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Rev. D.O. Ockiya College of Theology and Management Sciences, Nigeria overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Royal University Izhia, Nigeria
  • Raja Arabic University, Nagpur
  • Sacred Circle Academy, Oklahoma
  • Saint Augustine's University of Technology, Nigeria overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen under the alternate name Hope Institute by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • School of Intuitive Studies, California
  • School of Metaphysics, Illinois and Iowa and Kansas and Missouri
  • The School of Metaphysics, United Kingdom
  • SER Christian University, Florida; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Saint Luke School of Medicine, Oregon --> (not to be confused with the legitimate Regis University)
  • Saint Stephen's Educational Bible College, California
  • Saint Wolbodo Seminary, Baltimore, Maryland
  • Samuel Ahmadu University, Nigeria
  • Sequoia University, Los Angeles and Oklahoma; closed by court order in 1984
  • Sheffield State University
  • Si Tanka University, South Dakota
  • Silicon Valley University, California
  • Smith Christian University, Florida; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Sofia University, California
  • South California Polytechnic University, Taiwan
  • Southern Pacific University, Malaysia
  • Springfield Christian College and Theological Seminary, Washington
  • Standford University (also known as International Open University)
  • Stonebridge College (also known as Stonebridge Associated Colleges), United Kingdom
  • Strategic Business School, Nigeria
  • Summerset University, Texas

T

  • Tabernacle Baptist College, South Carolina
  • Taiken Wilmington University, Japan
  • Tennessee Christian University, Tennessee
  • The College of Psychic Studies, England and Wales
  • The University of America, California
  • Theological International University, North Carolina; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Thomas Francis University, Florida; cross-operated alongside IMHS Metaphysics Institute by the unaccredited International Church of Metaphysical Humanism, Inc.
  • Thomas Jefferson Education Foundation, South Dakota
  • Thompson University, Pakistan overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Trident University of Technology, Singapore
  • Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary, Indiana
  • Trinity College and University
  • Trinity International Bible University in South Africa
  • Trinity International University College (not to be confused with Trinity International University)
  • Trinity Southwest University, New Mexico
  • Trinity Valley Baptist Seminary and College, Texas; claims approval from the unaccredited Accrediting Commission International
  • True North College, New Jersey; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Tyndale Theological Seminary, Texas
  • The International University of America, Pakistan overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • United Nigeria University College
  • Universal University, Mississippi
  • Università Popolare San Tommaso D'Aquino, Italy
  • University of Action Learning, United Kingdom
  • University of Beverly Hills, California
  • University of Bums on Seats, United Kingdom (formerly known as Peckham Polytechnic University)
  • University of Central Europe, Mississippi; closed in 2007
  • University of Industry, Nigeria
  • University of Metaphysical Studies, New Mexico
  • University of the Nations (formerly known as Pacific & Asia Christian University)
  • University of Natural Health, Mississippi
  • University of Northern Virginia, Virginia; closed in 2013 and unlisted in 2014
  • University of Northern Washington
  • University of NorthWest, New York
  • University of Southern, Comit Campus, Pakistan

V

  • Vallejo Bible College, California; overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Varanaseya Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, Indian
  • Volta University College, Ghana and Nigeria
  • Walker University, Nevada (also known as the International Institute of Supplementary Education)
  • Warnborough College, Texas closed in 2018
  • Washington University, Pakistan
  • Western Michigan Bible Institute, Michigan
  • Western Advanced Central University, Pakistan (also known as Western Central College)
  • Western International University, Pakistan
  • Westmore College or Westmore University, Singapore overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • Woodfield University, South Carolina
  • Woolston-Steen Theological Seminary, Washington
  • Worchester University, Panama overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International overseen by the unaccredited Transworld Accrediting Commission International
  • World Records University, India
  • Worldwide International University (also known as Wisconsin International University (not to be confused with Toronto's Wycliffe College)

Y

  • York University, California; claims accreditation from the unaccredited World Association of Universities and Colleges
  • Yorker International University, South Dakota and New York (formerly known as New Yorker University)
  • Youngsfield University, New York