What Verdica's 770 score means for Graduate Theological Union
Graduate Theological Union's composite score of 770 places it in the "strong" band (740–799), indicating it meets or exceeds most regulatory and operational benchmarks that matter to federal and state oversight bodies. This score reflects an institution that has demonstrated sustained compliance with accreditation standards, federal Title IV lending rules, and IPEDS reporting requirements—the three pillars regulators use to assess educational provider legitimacy and stability.
For a reader considering enrollment, partnership, or funding decisions, a score in this range signals lower regulatory risk. The institution is not flagged as high-risk or elevated-risk by the underlying data sources. However, "strong" is not "excellent"—Graduate Theological Union's 770 sits below the 800–850 range, meaning there are measurable gaps in one or more compliance or outcomes dimensions that keep it from top-tier performance.
How the sub-scores break down
Accreditation: 820 — This is the institution's highest sub-score and falls in the excellent band. This reflects recognized regional or national accreditation status and suggests the institution has passed peer review and maintains compliance with accrediting body standards. High accreditation scores typically mean the school has documented educational quality, institutional governance, and resource allocation that satisfy external reviewers. This is a key protective factor for students and funders.
Compliance: 830 — Also in the excellent range, this score indicates strong adherence to Title IV federal lending regulations, state licensing requirements (if applicable), and data-reporting obligations under IPEDS. Institutions with high compliance scores have not incurred recent sanctions, do not carry unresolved financial aid violations, and submit accurate enrollment and financial data to federal databases. This dimension directly affects student loan eligibility and institutional standing with the U.S. Department of Education.
Student Outcomes: 670 — This is the weaker of the three sub-scores and sits at the upper boundary of the "acceptable" band (670–739). Student outcomes typically measure completion rates, graduation timelines, employment placement, and credential value as reported through IPEDS and accreditor data. A score of 670 suggests outcomes are within acceptable norms but lag behind peers or show room for improvement. This does not indicate failure; it reflects measurable performance that meets baseline standards but is not exceptional.
What regulators in CA track for education providers
California education providers operate under federal Title IV oversight (if they offer financial aid) and state private postsecondary education regulations. Verdica's score sources include:
Accreditation status — Typically validated through SACSCOC, WASC, or similar regional bodies. Accreditors audit institutional mission, curriculum, faculty qualifications, library resources, and learning outcomes. Loss of accreditation or sanction status would sharply lower this sub-score.
Title IV compliance — The U.S. Department of Education requires providers to maintain accurate enrollment verification, loan disbursement records, and default rate reporting. Violations include cohort default rates exceeding federal thresholds, false certification of student eligibility, or failure to return unearned aid. Material infractions can trigger provisional certification or loss of aid eligibility.
IPEDS data — This federal reporting system tracks institution financials, enrollment, degrees awarded, and completion rates. Discrepancies or missing data can flag an institution as non-compliant. Student outcomes metrics (graduation rates, time to degree, earnings post-graduation) feed directly into rankings and consumer transparency databases.
Bottom line
Graduate Theological Union scores in the strong range and presents low regulatory risk based on solid accreditation and compliance records. Before enrolling or partnering, verify current accreditation status through the accrediting body directly, confirm Title IV eligibility if federal aid is relevant, and cross-check graduation and employment outcomes against peer institutions in theological education to assess whether the "acceptable" outcomes score aligns with your specific goals.