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How to Obtain State Approval for Colleges and Universities in Ohio

Obtaining state approval for colleges and universities in Ohio is a structured process governed by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE). This guide outlines the steps and requirements for Ohio institutions seeking to offer post-secondary education.

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Understanding State Authorization

State Authorization is how post-secondary institutions receive approval to operate and offer educational programs in a specific state. In Ohio, the ODHE oversees this process, ensuring that institutions meet the necessary standards to protect students and maintain educational quality.

Licensure Criteria and Application

Institutions must meet specific criteria to obtain a license. These criteria include requirements related to program quality, faculty qualifications, financial stability, and student support services. The ODHE provides detailed guidelines on these standards.

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If you're new to state approval, start with our initial questionnaire. This provides a comprehensive understanding of your organization's readiness for state approval.

Our goal is to help you achieve successful approval from your state and ensure the process is as efficient and stress-free as possible for you and your team.

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Steps to Obtain Licensure

  1. Initial Inquiry:
    • Institutions must submit an Initial Inquiry to begin the process. This form notifies ODHE of the institution’s intent to seek approval and provides basic information about the institution and its programs.
    • Contact Matt Exline, Director of Program Approval Operations, at mexline@highered.ohio.gov for guidance on submitting the Initial Inquiry.
  2. Application Submission:
    • Prepare and submit the necessary application forms along with supporting documentation. This includes detailed information about the institution’s accreditation status, financial resources, program offerings, and faculty qualifications.
    • Applications must be thorough and comply with the requirements outlined by ODHE.
  3. Program Review:
    • ODHE will review the submitted application to ensure compliance with state standards. This review includes evaluating the institution’s academic programs, faculty, financial stability, and support services.
    • The review process may involve additional information requests or site visits to verify the details provided in the application.
  4. Approval Decision:
    • Upon successful review, ODHE will make a recommendation to the Chancellor regarding approving the institution’s programs.
    • The institution will receive official notification of the approval decision, which will allow it to operate and offer educational programs in Ohio.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)

Ohio is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which streamlines the process for institutions to offer distance education across state lines. Institutions seeking to participate in SARA must:

  1. Complete the NC-SARA Application:
    • Fill out the application found on the NC-SARA website and the Ohio-specific attachment.
    • Submit the completed application and attachments to Matt Exline for review.
  2. Submit Fees:
    • Pay the state fees to ODHE. The review process cannot begin until the payment is received.
  3. Application Review and Approval:
    • ODHE will review the application and, upon approval, will provide written acknowledgment to the institution. An invoice for national fees from NC-SARA will also be issued.
  4. Annual Renewal:
    • Institutions must renew their SARA participation annually. The renewal process involves submitting updated information and paying the required fees.

Fee Schedule

The ODHE fee schedule for state authorization varies based on the size of the institution’s student population:

  • Less than 2,500 students: $2,000 annually
  • Between 2,500 – 9,999 students: $4,000 annually
  • 10,000+ students: $6,000 annually

Resources and Contacts

  • Program Approval Operations:
    • Matt Exline, Director
    • Email: mexline@highered.ohio.gov
    • Address: Ohio Department of Higher Education, 25 South Front Street, Columbus, OH 43215
  • NC-SARA Information:
    • Visit the NC-SARA website for applications and additional details.

How Accreditation Expert Consulting (AEC) Can Help

Accreditation Expert Consulting (AEC) can provide invaluable assistance throughout the state authorization process in Ohio:

  1. Guidance and Support:
    • AEC offers expert guidance on the specific requirements and standards set by ODHE. They can help institutions navigate the complexities of the application process.
  2. Document Preparation:
    • AEC assists in preparing the necessary documentation, ensuring that all forms are correctly completed and all required information is included.
  3. Application Review:
    • Before submission, AEC can review the application to identify potential issues or areas needing improvement, increasing approval chances.
  4. Site Visit Preparation:
    • If a site visit is required, AEC can help institutions prepare by conducting mock visits and providing feedback on how to meet ODHE standards.
  5. Ongoing Compliance:
    • AEC supports maintaining compliance with state regulations, including assistance with annual renewals and updates to institutional policies and procedures.

By leveraging the expertise of Accreditation Expert Consulting, institutions can streamline the state authorization process, ensuring a higher likelihood of approval and ongoing compliance with Ohio state regulations.

We have collaborated with educational institutions nationwide that hold accreditation from prominent national and regional agencies, including:
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