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Hawaii State Approval for Colleges and Career Schools

Establishing a college or university in Hawaii requires understanding the specific regulations and procedures set by the Hawaii Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program (HPEAP) and other relevant state laws. 

get state approval Hawaii

Establishing a Location in Hawaii

Accredited Institutions

If your institution is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, follow these steps:

  1. Preliminary Consultation: This step helps ensure that you understand the specific requirements and procedures.
  2. Application Submission: Prepare and submit your application for state approval. Once you have obtained the necessary approval, enroll students in new programs to be held in Hawaii.
  3. Review and Approval: HPEAP will review the application. Approval will allow the institution to operate and enroll students in Hawaii.

Unaccredited Institutions

If your institution is not accredited, you must comply with Hawaii’s Unaccredited Degree Granting Institutions law. Key points include:

  1. Disclosure Requirements: Unaccredited institutions must disclose their unaccredited status the specific wording the law sets.
  2. Record Keeping: Maintain records and produce them to the Office of Consumer Protection upon request.
  3. Agent for Service of Process: Designate and maintain an agent for service of process.
  4. Prohibited Practices: prohibited practices, such as suggesting state approval, issuing certain professional degrees, or enrolling students without meeting specific conditions.
  5. Compliance with Other Laws: Unaccredited institutions must comply with Hawaii’s general business and consumer protection laws.
Violations of this law are subject to fines and legal action by the Office of Consumer Protection.

Who approves a new college or trade school in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, a private college or university that offers degrees and has a physical presence in the state needs authorization from the Hawaii Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program (HPEAP) at the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) unless it is exempt, while the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) licenses private trade, vocational and technical schools that need a state license.

An unaccredited college can apply to HPEAP only as a candidate for accreditation.

AEC doesn't issue Hawaii authorization or licenses and can't promise one. The Hawaii Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program decides on HPEAP authorization, and HIDOE decides on each trade school license.

AEC's founder, Dr. Ramin Golbaghi, went through these approvals as a school owner. He founded and led a private postsecondary school, he personally obtained state approval to operate, ACCSC institutional accreditation, Title IV certification, VA education benefits approval, WIOA/I-TRAIN workforce eligibility and SEVP certification.

 
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Opening in more than one state? See state approval requirements in all 50 states.

Types of Institutions and Accreditation

  • Licensed Vocational Schools: The Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) regulates private trade, vocational, and technical schools.

Steps to Obtain State Approval

  1. Determine Accreditation Status: Identify whether a recognized agency accredits your institution.
  2. Preliminary Consultation: Accredited institutions should conduct a preliminary consultation with HPEAP.
  3. Prepare Application: Gather all required documents and information for the application process.
  4. Submit Application: Submit the completed application to HPEAP.
  5. Await Approval: Do not enroll students in new programs until approval is granted.
  6. Maintain Compliance: Ensure ongoing compliance with all state regulations and reporting requirements.

Consulting with Accreditation Experts

The approval process can be complex. AEC can help with:
  1. Understanding Requirements: Experts can clarify state regulations and accreditation requirements.
  2. Application Assistance: They can help prepare and submit thorough and accurate applications.
  3. Maintaining Accreditation: Experts can help maintain or obtain accreditation status.
  4. Compliance Management: They can assist in setting up systems to ensure ongoing compliance with state laws.

AEC Note

Obtaining state approval for colleges and universities in Hawaii involves a clear understanding of state regulations and accreditation requirements. 

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