A Light at the End of the Tunnel for Morris Brown College?

The U.S. Department of Justice has reached a settlement with historically black Morris Brown College in Atlanta over the college’s $10 million debt with the U.S. Department of Education. The settlement calls for the college to make a $500,000 payment by the end of August.

Morris Brown College has about $20 million in other debt. Its troubling financial situation caused the college to lose its accreditation in 2002. As a result, Morris Brown students could no longer qualify for federal financial aid programs. Enrollments dropped significantly.

The college hopes to have 100 students on campus this fall and has successfully begun an online degree program. It has applied for accreditation with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. Morris Brown College is affiliated with the African Methodist-Episcopal Church.