Saint Augustine's University has decided not to go ahead with the planned acquisition of debt-ridden Saint Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Va.

University officials allege that the acquisition was not fiscally possible, after a consideration period of around seven months.

"This was a very difficult decision to make. We explored several options in an effort to make the acquisition viable for Saint Augustine's University. However, after completing our due diligence, we concluded that the acquisition of Saint Paul's College, at this time, would significantly challenge the fiscal stability of Saint Augustine's University," said Saint Augustine's President Dianne Boardley Suber.

College officials are planning to appeal to the Saint Augustine's board May 31, in the hopes of reversing the decision. Meanwhile, the university's board has agreed to listen to their presentation.

Last June, Saint Paul's College lost its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools ' Commission on Colleges.

The commission removed the accreditation due to their financial woes, administrative and educational services, and for the fact that only certain faculty members possessed doctoral degrees. But a judge later ordered a preliminary ban, allowing the college to retain its accreditation on a temporary basis and conduct classes this academic year.

Usually, it is difficult for any higher education institution to survive once it is stripped off its accreditation, since it will be prohibited to receive any kind of federal funds.

The two institutions are among three historically black colleges established by the Episcopal Church: Voorhees College in Denmark, S.C., is the third college.