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North Dakota State Approval for Colleges and Career Schools

To operate a post-secondary institution in North Dakota, institutions must adhere to state regulations and obtain authorization from the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education (NDSBHE). This ensures that educational standards are met and maintained, protecting students and maintaining the quality of education within the state. This guide outlines the steps and requirements for obtaining state approval for degree-granting post-secondary institutions in North Dakota.

get state approval North Dakota

Steps to Obtain State Approval

  1. Understand the Legal Requirements:
    • A federally recognized accreditation agency must accredit institutions.
    • Institutions must have a Federal Financial Responsibility Composite Score greater than 1.5.
  1. Determine the Type of Presence:
    • Physical Presence: Institutions with a physical campus in North Dakota.
    • Online Presence: Institutions offering online programs without a physical campus in North Dakota.
  1. Application Process:
    • Institutions without Physical Presence:
      • Ensure that internships, field experiences, and clinical practices are not considered as establishing a physical presence.
    • Institutions with Physical Presence:
      • Complete the application for institutions with a physical presence in North Dakota.
      • This comprehensive application includes additional requirements, such as a performance bond.
  1. Submit Required Documents:
    • Applications must be submitted along with a CPA-prepared financial statement (audited or reviewed).
    • Additional documents include accreditation certificates, detailed descriptions of programs, faculty qualifications, and institutional policies.
  1. Pay Applicable Fees:
    • Fees vary based on the type of presence and the nature of the application.
  1. Bond Requirement:
    • Institutions with a physical presence must submit a performance bond as a financial assurance.
  1. Review and Approval:
    • The North Dakota University System (NDUS) staff reviews the application and supporting documents.
    • Institutions will receive a letter of approval upon successful review and authorization.
  1. Notification and Compliance:
    • Institutions must notify students in writing about the program’s compliance with professional certification or registration requirements in North Dakota.
  1. Annual Renewal:
    • State authorization must be renewed annually.

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

North Dakota state authorization comes from two boards: a college applies to the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education through the North Dakota University System (NDUS) office, while a career or trade school teaching up to the associate of applied science level applies to the North Dakota State Board for Career and Technical Education through the Department of Career and Technical Education (ND CTE).

NDUS authorizes only accredited colleges, and a new North Dakota career school may start provisionally.

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.

Complaint Process

Students or others who complain about an institution can file a complaint with the NDUS office. The NDUS is responsible for resolving complaints that cannot be resolved at the institutional level. Complaints can range from consumer protection issues to academic grievances.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)

North Dakota is a member of SARA, which simplifies the process for institutions offering online education across state lines. SARA institutions do not require additional state authorization but must adhere to SARA standards.

Appeals Process

A denied applicant may appeal to the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education, which decides. The appeal must include reasons and supporting documentation.

How Accreditation Expert Consulting (AEC) Can Help

Accreditation Expert Consulting (AEC) offers professional services to assist institutions whit state authorization. Here’s how AEC can help:

  1. Initial Assessment:
    • Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your institution’s readiness for state authorization.
    • Identify any gaps in compliance and provide a roadmap to address them.
  2. Application Preparation:
    • Assist in preparing and reviewing the application.
    • Guide on assembling supporting documents, including financial statements and accreditation certificates.
  3. Regulatory Compliance:
    • Check your institution’s compliance with North Dakota’s regulations and standards.
    • Provide ongoing compliance monitoring and updates on regulatory changes.
  4. Performance Bond Assistance:
    • Help institutions understand and fulfill the performance bond requirements.
    • Connect with reliable surety companies to secure the necessary bonds.
  5. Appeals Support:
    • Assist institutions in preparing and submitting appeals if their application is denied.
    • Provide strategic advice and support throughout the appeals process.
  6. Annual Renewal and Reporting:
    • Guide institutions through the annual renewal process and help prepare the required reports.
    • Ensure timely submission of renewal applications and reports to avoid penalties.
  7. Training and Workshops:
    • Offer training sessions and workshops on state authorization and regulatory compliance.
    • Educate staff and faculty on best practices to maintain compliance and improve institutional quality.
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