North Carolina State Approval for Colleges and Career Schools

In North Carolina, the process for obtaining state approval to operate a post-secondary institution is overseen by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors. The Board has the authority to license nonpublic and out-of-state institutions conducting post-secondary degree activity within the state. The Board plays a crucial role in ensuring that institutions meet specific quality standards and provide student consumer protection.

get state approval North Carolina

Licensure Process

  1. Preliminary Conference

The first step in the licensure process is to contact the UNC System Office to arrange a preliminary conference. This conference aims to clarify the standards and procedures for applying for licensure. It is a one-time meeting scheduled at a mutually convenient time and location.

  1. Site Visit

If the application suggests that the proposed degree activity will meet the necessary standards, the UNC System Office may arrange a site visit by a team of examiners. This team, comprising UNC System Office staff and external experts, will review the institution’s documentation and facilities in detail. Site visits are mandatory for institutions not previously licensed and those expanding into new degree levels or fields of study.

Who approves a new college or trade school in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a private college that awards degrees needs a license from the University of North Carolina Board of Governors (UNC Board of Governors), and a private career or trade school teaching below the associate degree needs a proprietary school license from the State Board of Community Colleges, acting through the State Board of Proprietary Schools.

Once the UNC Board of Governors acknowledges a college's application, the college may advertise with a disclaimer; a trade school can't advertise until it is licensed.

AEC doesn't issue North Carolina approval and can't promise one. The UNC Board of Governors or the State Board of Community Colleges decides.

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.

Step-by-Step Guide to State Approval

  1. Understand the Licensing Requirements
    • Before initiating the application process, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific standards and requirements for licensure.
  1. Preliminary Conference
    • Schedule a Meeting: Contact the UNC System Office for a preliminary conference. This meeting will provide an overview of the licensure standards and procedures.
    • Discussion: During the conference, you will discuss your institution’s mission, proposed programs, and projected enrollment.
  1. Application for Licensure
    • Submission: After the preliminary conference, submit a formal application using the online application system. The application should demonstrate compliance with the Board’s standards.
    • Required Documents: Include a letter of intent, financial statements, and detailed program descriptions.
  1. Site Visit
    • Preparation: If the application meets initial standards, the UNC System Office may arrange for a team of examiners to visit the site to verify compliance.
    • Examiners: The team typically includes UNC officers, faculty members, and other experts relevant to the institution’s proposed programs.
    • Evaluation: The visit assesses facilities, faculty qualifications, program quality, and administrative capabilities.
  1. Report and Board Action
    • Examiners’ Report: Following the site visit, the team prepares a report and a statement of requirements.
    • Institutional Response: The institution can respond to the findings in writing.
    • Staff Report: The UNC System Office reviews and submits the reports to the UNC Board of Governors.
    • Board Decision: The Board reviews all materials and decides on licensure.
  1. Interim Permit
    • Conditions: Institutions that meet most standards but lack the required operational history may be granted an interim permit.
    • Re-Evaluation: After two years, the interim permit is re-evaluated to determine eligibility for a full license.
  1. Annual Reporting and Review
    • Compliance: Licensed institutions must file annual reports demonstrating continued compliance with standards.
    • Periodic Reviews: The UNC System Office conducts regular reviews, with intervals depending on the institution’s accreditation status.

Exemptions from Licensure

  1. State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
    • Eligibility: Institutions participating in SARA for distance education programs are exempt from state authorization requirements.
    • Contact: For more information, contact the SARA State Portal Entity.
  2. Military Exemption
    • Criteria: Institutions offering programs on military reservations for active-duty personnel, their dependents, or military employees are exempt.
  3. Religious Exemption
    • Scope: Institutions offering degrees in theology, divinity, or religious education primarily for career preparation in a religious vocation are exempt.
    • Application: Contact the State Authorization Unit for exemption requests.
  4. Continuous Operation Since 1972

Standards for Licensure

The Board of Governors requires institutions to meet 15 standards to ensure quality education. Some key standards include:

  • Charter: The institution must be state-chartered.
  • Program of Study: The courses and programs must support the institution’s mission and be designed to achieve specified educational outcomes.
  • Facilities and Library: Adequate physical and library resources must be available.
  • Faculty Qualifications: Instructors must be appropriately qualified and have relevant degrees and experience.
  • Catalog: A comprehensive catalog must be provided to students, detailing program descriptions, faculty qualifications, admission policies, and other essential information.

Exemptions from Licensure

Some institutions may be exempt from licensure based on specific criteria:

  • State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA): Institutions operating under SARA are exempt from state licensure for distance education programs.
  • Military Exemption: Institutions offering programs exclusively on military reservations for military personnel and their dependents are exempt.
  • Religious Exemption: Programs leading to degrees in theology, divinity, or religious education, and those designed for religious vocations, may be exempt.

Annual Reports and Renewals

Licensed institutions must file annual reports to demonstrate ongoing compliance with licensure standards. The UNC System Office reviews these reports and may conduct periodic site visits. 

Role of Accreditation Expert Consulting

Consultants can help with North Carolina state approval in several ways:

  1. Preliminary Assessments: Consultants can conduct initial assessments to ensure that institutions meet state approval eligibility criteria.
  2. Application Preparation: They assist in preparing comprehensive applications that align with state standards, increasing the likelihood of approval.
  3. Compliance Reviews: Consultants can review institutional policies and procedures to ensure state and federal regulations compliance.
  4. Site Visit Preparation: They help institutions prepare for site visits by conducting mock reviews and addressing potential issues beforehand.
  5. Ongoing Support: After initial licensure, consultants provide ongoing support to ensure that institutions remain compliant with state requirements and are well-prepared for annual reports and renewals.

AEC Note

Obtaining state approval for colleges and universities in North Carolina involves a detailed process of meeting specific standards and demonstrating the quality of educational programs.