CCCU institutions offer comprehensive undergraduate curricula rooted in the arts and sciences and may also offer graduate programs and degrees. All U.S. institutions must be in good standing with a national accrediting body recognized through one of the following nationally accrediting bodies listed below. The equivalent accreditation body in their respective countries must recognize international schools.

1. Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
2. Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
3. Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
4. New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
5. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
6. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
7. WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
8. Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)*

*Must be recognized as a four-year liberal arts institution

All CCCU schools support other Christian colleges and universities and advance the cause of Christian higher education through participation in the programs of the CCCU and payment of the annual dues. CCCU campuses are urged to demonstrate continuing support for the CCCU through annual registration for CCCU professional development and/or student programs. In addition, CCCU institutions recognize that fellow schools are seeking to pursue faithfully their institutional missions in their particular context, and therefore they demonstrate respect and support for each other.

All CCCU institutions demonstrate responsible financial operations, have institutional practices that reflect high ethical standards, and operate all financial and fundraising activities consistent with the standards of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

CCCU governing and associate members have a continuing institutional policy and practice, effective throughout membership, to hire as full-time faculty members and administrators only persons who profess faith in Jesus Christ.

The CCCU has a robust, necessary, and increasingly important advocacy role within the public square. Historic Christian beliefs and practices often intersect with current governmental interests and regulation. The framework below sets out the Christian beliefs and practices that guide the CCCU advocacy positions. These principles include:

1. We hold the Christian belief that the Earth and the entire universe are God’s good creation.
2. We hold the Christian belief that human beings, male and female, are created in the image of God to flourish in community, and, as to intimate sexual relations, they are intended for persons in a marriage between one man and one woman. We believe in the right of Christian institutions to maintain practices that align with this sexual ethic.
3. We hold the Christian belief that all human beings, without exception, are invested with inherent worth and dignity. We support the wellbeing of the underserved and marginalized, for the protection of people of all faiths from religious persecution, and for the preservation and advancement of religious freedoms.
4. We hold the Christian belief that the Gospel calls us toward reconciliation with one another. We strive for humble and courageous action that honors the unity of the human race, values ethnic and cultural diversity, and addresses the injustices of racism.

CCCU Governing and Associate members support the CCCU in upholding these principles. In addition, the Council’s own services, advocacy, employment practices, and student programs will be consistent with these alignments and Christian beliefs and principles.

These principles inform and guide the CCCU advocacy work, as decided by the Board of Directors. These advocacy positions change over time, but they currently include positions such as:

• Religious freedom: We hold the Christian belief that all human beings, without exception, are invested with inherent worth and dignity. We advocate for the preservation and advancement of religious freedoms for all persons, regardless of religion, and for the right of each of our institutions to practice their sincerely held religious beliefs, including the Christian belief that human beings, male and female, are created in the image of God to flourish in community, and, as to intimate sexual relations, they are intended for persons in a marriage between one man and one woman. The CCCU advocates for a robust understanding of religious freedom where the right to practice these beliefs includes the right to hire for mission, to receive federal funding, to expect adherence to behavioral standards, and to generally practice our faith without penalty from the state.
• Higher education: The CCCU addresses issues that directly impact our institutions or our students. The CCCU will advocate for policies that promote access to and choice of higher education through federal student aid with a priority on need-based student aid. Higher education issues may include, but are not limited to, Title IX regulations, charitable giving incentives, access and protection for international students, educational quality, and affordability concerns.
• Biblical priorities that are core to the mission of Christian higher education: the CCCU will address issues deemed necessary to advance the cause of Christian higher education, such as immigration reform, prison education, and racial reconciliation initiatives.