Harvest Christian University affirms its rights under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution,  which protects the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech,  freedom of association, and the autonomy of religious organizations in  matters of faith, doctrine, governance, and ministry.

The University also relies upon the protections of the Missouri Constitution, Article I, Section 5, which safeguards the free exercise of religion. Missouri Corporate Authority

Harvest Christian University is duly incorporated in the State of  Missouri as a nonprofit religious postsecondary institution.

Religious Postsecondary Education

Harvest Christian University operates as a religious postsecondary  institution organized to provide higher education consistent with its  religious mission and institutional purpose. 

Federal Religious Organization Status

Harvest  Christian University states that it operates as a church-related  religious organization recognized under the Internal Revenue Code,  including the provisions applicable to churches and integrated  auxiliaries, including 26 U.S.C. § 508(c)(1)(A), together with its  public charity status under 26 U.S.C. §§ 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi),  as applicable.

Academic and Institutional Governance

Harvest  Christian University maintains authority over its internal academic  governance, including admissions, curriculum, faculty appointments,  graduation requirements, academic policies, and the conferral of earned  and honorary degrees in accordance with its governing documents and  applicable law.

Interstate Educational Activities

As  a Missouri institution, Harvest Christian University may conduct  educational, religious, ceremonial, conference, commencement, alumni,  ministry, and outreach activities throughout the United States and  internationally. Such activities do not alter the University’s 

Official Statement
Harvest Christian University Institutional Authority and Legal Compliance Statement

MISSOURI INCORPORATION AND FREE CHARITABLE EDUCATION

HCU  is a Missouri-incorporated, not-for-profit charitable educational  institution providing exclusively online instruction. HCU charges  students no tuition, fees, or other financial charge, and  no part of HCU’s instructional cost is defrayed by governmental  student-financial-aid programs, including grants or loans provided  directly to or for individual students.

HCU meets the requirements for the statutory exemption in RSMo § 173.616.2(2) for  a not-for-profit school owned, controlled, and operated by a bona fide  eleemosynary organization. Accordingly, HCU is exempt from the  proprietary-school approval provisions in RSMo §§ 173.600–173.618.

HCU’S LEGAL STATUS

Meeting these requirements places HCU within the Missouri statutory exemption for qualifying free charitable educational institutions under RSMo § 173.616.2(2). HCU is therefore exempt from the proprietary-school approval provisions of RSMo §§ 173.600–173.618, so long as it continuously meets every exemption condition. 

INDEPENDENT ONLINE EDUCATION

HCU does not participate in federal student-aid programs. Students are responsible for tuition and fees under HCU’s published tuition schedule, enrollment agreement, and refund policy.

HCU is a Missouri-incorporated online university that delivers instruction exclusively through online and distance education.

Harvest Christian University  

Harvest  Christian University remains committed to academic excellence,  religious liberty, institutional integrity, ethical leadership, and  compliance with all applicable laws governing its operations.

 26 U.S.C. § 508(c)(1)(A) concerns the treatment of certain churches and  related organizations under federal tax law; it is not itself a  declaration that a particular organization is a valid § 501(c)(3).
* Missouri Revised  Statutes § 173.616 contains exemptions for certain categories of schools  from specified Missouri postsecondary regulatory provisions, but the  exemptions depend on the institution meeting the statutory criteria.
*  Missouri nonprofit law (Chapter 355) governs nonprofit corporations and  their internal affairs.  

• Any unauthorized use of the university’s name, practices, degree awards, logos, signatures, or marketing of intellectual property is strictly prohibited and punishable by law.  HCU reserves the right to take legal action against any misuse or misrepresentation of its intellectual property. 

Harvest Christian University (HCU) awards honorary doctoral degrees to recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and contributions in their respective fields, embodying the values of leadership, innovation, and community impact. 

Unlike a matriculated degree, which signifies the promise of future accomplishments, an honorary degree is awarded as proof of a life already lived with distinction. 

HCU believes that experience is the ultimate teacher, and its honorary degrees celebrate those who have used their expertise and humanity to inspire others and make meaningful contributions to society. 

HCU’s honorary doctoral program stands out among other institutions for its focus on recognizing professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, entertainers, inventors, and thought leaders who have achieved excellence through real-world experience.