Yes, Moody Bible Institute is accredited. It holds institutional accreditation from two recognized accrediting bodies: the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) Commission on Accreditation. Its graduate seminary arm, Moody Theological Seminary, carries an additional accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). All three are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), the national body that evaluates accreditors themselves.
What Each Accreditation Covers
The Higher Learning Commission is a regional accreditor that evaluates colleges and universities across a broad range of academic standards, including faculty qualifications, financial stability, and student outcomes. HLC accreditation is the same type held by large state universities and well-known private colleges, so it carries wide recognition when you apply to graduate school or present your degree to an employer.
The Association for Biblical Higher Education focuses specifically on Bible colleges and similar institutions. ABHE accreditation confirms that Moody meets standards tailored to biblical higher education, covering curriculum design, theological integrity, and institutional governance. As of the most recent public fact sheet, Moody was in good standing with ABHE and had no sanctions of any kind (no warnings, probation, or show-cause orders).
Moody Theological Seminary holds accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools, listed as “Accredited in Good Standing.” ATS is the primary accreditor for graduate-level theological programs in North America. This accreditation covers Moody’s master’s and doctoral offerings, including the MDiv, several MA concentrations (such as Biblical Studies, Ministry Leadership, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Counseling Psychology), a Master of Theological Studies, and a Doctor of Ministry. ATS has also approved Moody Theological Seminary to deliver a substantial portion of its degree programs online.
Why Accreditation Matters for You
Accreditation affects three things most students care about: financial aid eligibility, credit transferability, and degree recognition.
Federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study, is only available at institutions accredited by a federally recognized accrediting body. Moody’s HLC accreditation satisfies that requirement, so students can access the full range of federal aid programs.
When it comes to transferring credits, Moody’s regional accreditation through HLC is the most important factor. Most colleges and universities accept transfer credits from regionally accredited schools, though individual institutions still decide on a course-by-course basis. Moody also maintains formal articulation agreements with other schools to streamline the transfer process. For incoming transfers, Moody accepts credits from institutions accredited by HLC and other regional accreditors, ABHE, and the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).
If you plan to pursue a graduate degree elsewhere after completing an undergraduate program at Moody, the HLC accreditation is what admissions offices at most universities will look for. It places Moody’s degrees on the same accreditation footing as degrees from other regionally accredited institutions.
Accreditation Review Schedule
Accreditation is not permanent. Schools undergo periodic reviews to maintain their status. Moody Theological Seminary’s next comprehensive ATS review is scheduled for spring 2027. On the ABHE side, the most recent comprehensive visit was in spring 2024, with a reaffirmation decision by the Commission on Accreditation in February 2025.
These review cycles are routine. An upcoming review does not signal any problem. It simply means the accreditor is conducting its regular evaluation, which typically happens every seven to ten years depending on the agency. If an accreditor ever places a school on warning or probation during one of these reviews, the school is required to disclose that publicly.
Graduate Programs and Licensure
If you’re considering one of Moody Theological Seminary’s counseling programs, such as the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or the MA in Counseling Psychology, accreditation takes on extra significance. State licensing boards for counselors and therapists typically require that your degree come from an accredited program. The combination of HLC regional accreditation and ATS accreditation generally satisfies these requirements, but licensure rules vary by state. Check your state’s licensing board to confirm that Moody’s specific program meets its educational prerequisites before enrolling.
For ministry-focused degrees like the MDiv or DMin, denominational recognition is often more relevant than state licensure. Most denominations accept degrees from ATS-accredited seminaries, and Moody’s long-standing ATS membership in good standing positions its graduates well for ordination and ministry placement processes.