Getting state authorization for higher education in Washington from the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) is required to operate a private degree-granting institution in Washington State. This authorization is necessary to ensure institutions comply with the state’s minimum operational standards and is contingent upon an institution’s financial stability, academic offerings, accreditation status, and the qualifications of its faculty and staff.
Institutions need this authorization if they:
- Offer credit or degree programs from a physical location within Washington.
- Engage in advertising or recruitment targeting Washington residents.
- Maintain a physical presence within the state.
Additionally, this authorization process involves thoroughly reviewing the institution’s educational objectives and learning outcomes to ensure they align with WSAC’s educational standards. The process also includes examining student support services and resources, ensuring they adequately meet the student body’s needs. WSAC degree authorization also requires detailed documentation of governance structures, administrative capacities, and ethical practices in operations and management. Institutions are also encouraged to engage in continuous improvement and development based on feedback from these evaluations to foster a higher standard of education within the state.
Who approves a new college or trade school in Washington?
Washington state approval for a private college means degree authorization from the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), and a non-degree career or trade school may need a Washington private career school license from the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (Workforce Board).
Even a Washington mailing address counts as operating a college.
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.
Opening in more than one state? See state approval requirements in all 50 states.
Initial Steps for Authorization
Both new and established institutions seeking educational institution state approval in Washington must engage with the WSAC. For new institutions, this involves crafting a comprehensive proposal detailing the administrative structure, program specifics, areas and levels of study, mode of delivery, and location. The following steps include:
- Scheduling a meeting with the WSAC to discuss your proposal and the application process.
- Completing and applying for review. The WSAC will then assess your submission and may request additional information for clarification. The process of obtaining authorization takes much work. Therefore, early engagement with the WSAC is crucial and not just advisable. Delays can occur if the application is incomplete or lacks clarity, potentially postponing the institution’s operational debut.
During this engagement phase, institutions should also prepare to demonstrate their financial resources and projections, which are critical to proving long-term viability. A detailed risk assessment should also be provided, outlining potential challenges and solutions, which reassures the WSAC of the institution’s preparedness. It is also advisable to engage legal counsel specialized in education law to ensure all aspects of the proposal meet state and federal regulations.
