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.

Accreditation

Degree-granting institutions need accreditation, or candidacy or applicant status during planning and development, to be certified in Arkansas. 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.

Physical Presence Policy

ADHE defines physical presence broadly. Unless exempt, any program offered to a student in Arkansas, whether at a physical location or by distance education, must be authorized.

Student Complaints – SARA Participating Institutions

ADHE handles complaints for SARA participating institutions by contacting the institution to resolve the issue.

Surety Bonds

A surety bond is required for out-of-state institutions authorized to offer degree programs in Arkansas unless they maintain a minimum financial responsibility composite score, as determined by the U.S. Department of Education.

Tuition Refund Policy

Arkansas has a tuition refund policy requirement for private, non-degree-granting institutions. Degree-granting institutions are not subject to this requirement. Students must apply to ADHE for a refund if a school closes.

Reporting

Both degree-granting and non-degree-granting institutions must report data annually. Degree-granting institutions report on tuition collected and student enrollments, while non-degree institutions report on enrollments, terminations, graduates, and tuition collected per program.

Enforcement

Non-compliance with authorization laws can result in a referral to the Arkansas Attorney General.

Application Process

The application process differs for degree and non-degree granting institutions, and each uses its own ADHE forms. Non-degree schools also provide an FBI Background Check.

Records Retention

Institutions must have a plan for records retention in case of catastrophic events. Degree programs must maintain fireproof storage for records, and non-degree programs must submit records to ADHE if a catastrophic event occurs.

How Accreditation Expert Consulting Can Help

Navigating the state authorization process can be complex, but our experienced team at Accreditation Expert Consulting is here to help:

Guidance: We provide clear instructions on ADHE requirements, ensuring your application is accurate and complete.
Document Preparation: Our team assists in preparing and reviewing all required documents, ensuring they meet the necessary standards.
Accreditation Assistance: We help you understand and meet accreditation requirements, ensuring state and federal standards compliance.
Review and Compliance: We help you stay compliant with ongoing review requirements and keep you updated with the latest information from ADHE.
Continuous Support: We offer continuous support from the initial renewal application, helping your institution achieve and maintain state authorization.

Arkansas State Approval for Colleges and Career Schools

Who approves a new college or trade school in Arkansas?