Types of Educational Providers Authorized
ADHE authorizes a wide range of institutions, including:
- Public, in-state, and out-of-state degree-granting institutions
- Private, in-state and out-of-state, not-for-profit and for-profit degree-granting institutions
- Public, in-state, and out-of-state non-degree granting institutions
- Non-degree, not-for-profit, and for-profit institutions
Exceptions include religious, tribally-controlled, federal, and municipal institutions. Additionally, certain private in-state institutions established before 1975 have different authorization processes.
Accreditation
Accreditation is required for all degree-granting institutions to be authorized in Arkansas. This includes public and private institutions, both in-state and out-of-state. Non-degree granting institutions are not required to be accredited.
Exemptions
Certain institutions and programs are exempt from state authorization requirements. For example, programs offered on military bases or those solely related to church activities are exempt. The ADHE website provides more details.
Authorization of Distance Education
Out-of-state institutions offering purely online programs must be authorized to operate in Arkansas, regardless of physical presence. Correspondence study programs are treated similarly.
