The university plans to immediately apply for reinstatement, said spokesman Will Hurst. But that process could take between six months and two-and-a-half years.

Accreditation is critical because graduates of unaccredited chiropractic programs cannot be licensed to practice in at least 35 states. Some states will consider regional accreditation, which Life continues to have through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Council on Chiropractic Education first revoked accreditation of the chiropractic program in June, following a 12-month probation. The university kept the accreditation temporarily through the appeal. The decision was made Sunday afternoon, Hurst said, but the three-person panel did not specify its reasons.

The original decision cited four areas, including problems with diagnostic instruction and faculty oversight of students in the university's clinics. The appeal could only consider actions taken by the university up to the point the accreditation was revoked.

Chiropractic enrollment has fallen by half since the June announcement, from 2,600 students to 1,300 this month. A series of budget cuts, including elimination of the athletics program, were made in recent months to restore financial stability, Hurst said.

If additional students now leave, more cuts could be made. But Interim President Michael Schmidt has vowed to keep the university open, Hurst said.

Schmidt, who was out of town attending the appeal hearing, could not be reached Sunday.