UNCF’s Statement on Court’s Ruling on Paine College Accreditation

On Friday, Feb. 8, the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Georgia made an important ruling for the future of UNCF-member institution Paine College, located in Augusta, GA. Among the judge’s rulings is the affirmation that the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has always maintained that Paine College should remain fully accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Paine is now, once again, allowed membership in SACSCOC until a final ruling is made.

UNCF has consistently taken the stance that all 101 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are worth fighting for and this ruling is the perfect opportunity for both sides to come together to attempt to negotiate a settlement. It is our understanding that Paine College will continue to appeal until they have exhausted all other options or reached an agreement. We hope all parties can find an amicable resolution of this lawsuit and that Paine College will be able move forward with the business of educating a diverse future workforce and providing the highest quality of liberal arts education for years to come.

Paine College is important to the community generating an annual $33 million economic impact on the Central Savannah River area, supporting nearly 400 jobs. A single graduating class at Paine College can collectively expect to earn $274 million in their lifetime. Individually, a Paine graduate can expect to earn $1.1 million more during their lifetime because of their degree.

###

About UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF awards more than $100 million in scholarships annually and administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”^® Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities. Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous news and updates, follow UNCF on Twitter @UNCF.