PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Christian College in suburban Omaha plans to merge with a California-based school.

Officials say the agreement with Hope International University of Fullerton, California, will provide regional accreditation, expanded course offerings as well as ensure long-term financial stability.

The colleges will share online learning and classroom technologies, library resources and research databases.

Nebraska Christian College was founded in Norfolk in the 1940s and moved to Papillion (puh-PIHL’-yuhn) in 2006. Enrollment has averaged 150 to 175 students in recent years.

Hope International University was established in 1928 and offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, certificate programs and credential programs to about 2,000 students worldwide.