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How to Obtain State Approval for Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania

If you plan to establish a college, university, or seminary in Pennsylvania, it’s crucial to understand and comply with the state’s regulations to obtain authorization. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps and requirements for state approval, ensuring you are well informed and prepared for the process.

get state approval Pennsylvania

Governance and Regulatory Authority

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) plays a crucial role in overseeing the authorization of colleges, universities, and seminaries. Their limited jurisdiction focuses mainly on the authorization process, new program approvals, ensuring institutions meet state requirements, and providing you with guidance and support throughout the process.

Each institution of higher education in Pennsylvania is governed by its own board (or council) of trustees. These trustees are responsible for setting the institution’s mission and strategic direction, ensuring financial stability, and appointing and overseeing the institution’s president. The academic administration and daily operations are managed by the institution’s president and staff.

Authorization Requirements

  1. New Institution Authorization
    • Before operating in Pennsylvania, the Secretary of Education must authorize any institution offering programs for academic credit or a degree.
    • The fee for establishing a new institution is $5,000.
    • Contact the Division of Higher Education, Access, and Equity at 717-783-6786 or ra-highereducation@pa.gov before preparing an application.
  1. Minimum Requirements for Degree-Granting Institutions
    • Endowment: A minimum protective endowment of at least $500,000 is required beyond all indebtedness and assets invested in buildings and apparatus. Tax-supported institutions or those maintained by religious or charitable organizations can substitute equivalent financial support or contributed services.
    • Faculty: At least eight regular professors devoted full-time to higher education instruction unless the institution is specialized (e.g., in arts, archaeology, literature, or science), where the requirement is at least three regular professors and two or more instructors or fellows.
  1. Program Approval
    • Institutions not exempt under Act 69 of 2012 must obtain approval from the Secretary of Education to offer new degree programs.
    • The fee for approval of a new program or degree application is $1,400.
  1. Use of Restricted Words
    • The words “college,” “university,” and “seminary” are restricted and require approval for use in business names. The application fee is $100.
    • Contact the Division of Higher Education, Access, and Equity at 717-783-6786 or ra-highereducation@pa.gov to request approval.
  1. University Status
    • Changing status from a college to a university or establishing a new institution requires approval and a certificate of authority. The application fee for a status change is $1,000.
  1. Articles of Incorporation
    • To amend the Articles of Incorporation, submit a cover letter summarizing the changes, evidence of board approval, current Articles, a redlined copy of the proposed changes, and a clean copy of the revised Articles.

State Approval Readines

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.

“Accreditation Expert Consulting Team”

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Our goal is to help you find exactly what you need and explore your options.

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Reporting Requirements

Postsecondary institutions must submit various reports to the PDE, including:

  • English fluency of instructors
  • Gifts
  • Sexual violence awareness training
  • Campus crime
  • Graduation rates
  • Program offerings

Distance Education

  1. Out-of-State Providers
    • Pennsylvania offers a voluntary registration process for out-of-state distance education providers. The registration fee is $5,000 annually.
    • Institutions participating in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) are exempt from additional authorization requirements.
  1. Physical Presence Definition
    • Physical presence includes having a campus, administrative or corporate address, post office box, telephone number, recruiters, instructors, or advertising in Pennsylvania.
    • Authorization as a distance education provider only conveys Pennsylvania degree-granting authority or permits a physical presence with additional approval.
  1. Internships
    • Out-of-state institutions do not require PDE approval to place students in internships in Pennsylvania, provided no paid representatives with a physical presence are involved.

Accreditation

The PDE does not accredit institutions. Accreditation is provided by agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Institutions must be accredited and in good standing with their accrediting agency to offer distance education in Pennsylvania.

Student Complaints

The PDE investigates student complaints against higher education institutions. A signed complaint form authorizes the department to share complaint information with the institution.

Establishing a New Institution or Program

  1. Initial Contact
    • Contact the Division of Higher Education, Access, and Equity to discuss your plans and ensure you meet all regulatory requirements.
  1. Application Process
    • Prepare and submit the necessary application forms and supporting documents.
    • Pay the required fees.
    • Allow time for the review and approval process, including potential site visits.
  1. Continuous Compliance
    • Maintain compliance with all state regulations and reporting requirements.
    • Renew authorizations as required, including program approvals and Education Enterprise authorizations for out-of-state institutions.

By following these steps and understanding the requirements, institutions can successfully obtain state approval to operate and offer educational programs in Pennsylvania. For more detailed information and specific forms, contact the Division of Higher Education, Access, and Equity or visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s website.

Accreditation Expert Consulting: Services and Support

Accreditation Expert Consulting offers comprehensive services to assist educational institutions in achieving and maintaining accreditation. Our team of experienced consultants provides expert guidance and support throughout the accreditation process, ensuring that institutions meet the required standards and improve their educational quality. Here are the key services we offer:

  1. Accreditation Readiness Assessment
    • Conduct a thorough evaluation of the institution’s current status regarding accreditation standards.
    • Identify gaps and areas needing improvement.
    • Provide a detailed report with recommendations for achieving compliance.
  1. Strategic Planning and Preparation
    • Develop a customized accreditation plan tailored to the institution’s specific needs.
    • Set timelines and milestones for completing accreditation requirements.
    • Assist in aligning institutional goals and strategies with accreditation standards.
  1. Documentation and Evidence Collection
    • Guide the collection and organization of necessary documentation.
    • Ensure that all evidence meets the accrediting body’s requirements.
    • Provide templates and examples of successful documentation.
  1. Self-Study Report Development
    • Assist in writing and reviewing the self-study report.
    • Ensure the report is comprehensive, accurate, and demonstrates compliance.
    • Provide feedback and revisions to strengthen the report’s effectiveness.
  1. Compliance and Policy Development
    • Review and develop institutional policies to ensure compliance with accreditation standards.
    • Assist in creating new policies where necessary.
    • Ensure policies are effectively communicated and implemented across the institution.
  1. Training and Workshops
    • Conduct training sessions for faculty, staff, and administrators on accreditation processes and standards.
    • Offer workshops on specific topics such as evidence collection, report writing, and compliance.
    • Provide ongoing professional development to ensure continuous improvement.
  1. Mock Site Visits and Audits
    • Conduct mock site visits to prepare the institution for the actual accreditation visit.
    • Perform internal audits to identify any last-minute issues.
    • Provide a comprehensive report with recommendations for final preparations.
  1. Liaison with Accrediting Bodies
    • Serve as a liaison between the institution and accrediting agencies.
    • Facilitate communication and address any questions or concerns from the accrediting body.
    • Ensure that all submissions and communications are timely and accurate.
  1. Continuous Improvement and Post-Accreditation Support
    • Assist in developing a continuous improvement plan post-accreditation.
    • Provide ongoing support to maintain accreditation status.
    • Help the institution prepare for future accreditation reviews and updates.
  1. Specialized Accreditation Areas
    • Offer expertise in various specialized accreditation areas such as program-specific accreditation (e.g., nursing, engineering, business).
    • Provide tailored services to meet the unique requirements of specialized accrediting bodies.

Why Choose Accreditation Expert Consulting?

  1. Expertise and Experience: Our consultants have extensive experience in the accreditation process and a deep understanding of the standards and expectations of various accrediting bodies.
  1. Customized Solutions: We provide personalized services tailored to the specific needs of each institution.
  1. Proven Track Record: We have a history of successfully guiding institutions through accreditation, resulting in improved quality and compliance.
  1. Comprehensive Support: From initial assessment to post-accreditation support, we offer a full range of services to ensure a smooth and successful accreditation journey.
  1. Commitment to Quality: We are dedicated to helping institutions achieve the highest educational quality and excellence standards.

Accreditation Expert Consulting is committed to supporting educational institutions in their quest for accreditation and continuous improvement. Contact us today to learn how we can assist your institution in achieving its accreditation goals.

AEC Note

Obtaining state approval for colleges and universities in Idaho involves navigating a complex regulatory landscape. By understanding the types of proposals required, completing the appropriate forms, and submitting through the designated online system, institutions can successfully gain approval from the Idaho State Board of Education. Accreditation Expert Consulting (AEC) offers comprehensive services to assist institutions throughout this process, ensuring compliance, preparing strong proposals, and facilitating communication with the state board. With AEC’s support, institutions can efficiently achieve state approval and focus on delivering high-quality education to their students.

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