School Authorization

All institutions operating in Tennessee should be authorized, unless an exemption has been granted by the Division of Postsecondary School Authorization. If an educational provider feels that their operation is exempt based on the contents of this webpage, they should consult directly with the Postsecondary School Authorization staff for determination of their status

Authorization is the process of determining if a postsecondary educational institution has met minimum standards for operation in the state. Essentially, any entity that offers or conducts a program, course(s) or training toward a vocational end or that offers an educational credential must be authorized. Authorization is also required for any educational provider that directly solicits, advertises or recruits in the state and for any out-of-state school, including distance education providers that have physical presence in Tennessee.

The authorization process includes: establishing presence in the state, completing the Initial Authorization Application, payment of all appropriate fees, securing required bonds, meeting all minimum standards and final approval by vote of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

Exemption

Some educational providers are not required to seek postsecondary authorization and are hence exempt from the provisions of the Postsecondary Education Authorization Act of 1974.

Exemptions can include:

Initial Authorization or New Program Application

Anyone required to or interested in becoming a postsecondary institution in the state of Tennessee should obtain a copy of the Postsecondary Authorization Act of 1974, T.C.A. §49-7-2001 et seq., and the Postsecondary Rules Chapter 1540-1-2 along with the Initial Authorization Application.

Below is a current list of the Initial Authorization and New Program Application deadlines and quarterly meeting dates for the Advisory Committee on Postsecondary Education Institutions and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

Please be aware that the attendance of a representative from your institution is mandatory at the Postsecondary Advisory Committee meeting in which your application is presented.

Unless otherwise posted all, Postsecondary Advisory Committee meetings will be held at 404 James Robertson Parkway Nashville TN in the 18th floor board room at 10:00 a.m. central standard time.

Assistance in completing the application is available by telephoning Postsecondary staff (615-741-5293) during business hours of the Commission, 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (Central Time) Monday through Friday.

All applications are reviewed in a three tier process by the Division of Postsecondary School Authorization Staff, the Advisory Committee on Postsecondary Education Institutions, and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Final Commission authorization is required in order to conduct training, advertise, recruit and/or operate in the State of Tennessee.

Minimum Standards

In order to become authorized as a postsecondary educational institution in the state, the school must meet a variety of minimum standards including:

• Educational programs with demonstrated quality, content and appropriate length

• Compliant administrative, business and operational standards
  
• Qualified instructors and administrative staff
  
• Financial stability
  

For a complete description of the minimum standards, refer to T.C.A. §49-7-2006 and the Postsecondary Rules Chapter 1540-1-2-.06 and 1540-1-2-.10.

Distance Education

In today's educational market there are literally thousands of distance education providers around the world. Distance education simply means that there is physical separation of the instructor and student. The means of communication can be in many forms including paper correspondence, video, audio, teleconference, internet or any combination of such. Distance education programs are held to the same minimum standards as traditional on-site programs.

Frequently Asked Postsecondary Questions

1. How can I determine if an institution is authorized?

A prospective student can verify if an institution is authorized by the Division of Postsecondary School Authorization by contacting the Postsecondary Staff at 615-741-5293 or reviewing the list of authorized institutions on the Tennessee Higher Education Commission Website.

2. Is there a difference between authorization and accreditation?

Yes, there is a difference. Authorization by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission is mandatory, by law, for non-exempt institutions to operate in the State of Tennessee. This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation, conducted by the Division of Postsecondary School Authorization, of minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, health, safety, and fiscal responsibility. The Division of Postsecondary School Authorization also monitors postsecondary institutions in the State of Tennessee by conducting site visits, handling student’s complaints, and random audits of institutions.

Accreditation, however, is a non-governmental, peer evaluation of educational institutions and programs. In most cases, authorization for one to two years is a prerequisite for accreditation. Private educational associations of regional and national scope have adopted criteria reflecting the qualities of a sound educational program and have developed procedures for evaluating institutions or programs. These criteria determine whether or not institutions or programs are operating at basic levels of quality. Accredited institutions are required to prepare and execute an in-depth self-evaluation study that measures its performance against the standards established by the accrediting agency by which the institution is accredited. Accrediting agencies closely monitor each accredited institution or program throughout the period of accreditation granted to verify that it continues to meet the standards set by the agency. Additionally, accreditation is voluntary and is not required by State law.

3. What is Title IV Aid?

Title IV Aid is the governmental financial aid program governed by the U.S. Department of Education (ie; Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Federal Work Study, and Various Loan Programs). Only institutions accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education are eligible to participate in Title IV programs.

4. How long has the institution been authorized?

A prospective student can obtain this information from the Division of Postsecondary School Authorization Staff.


5. Will my credits transfer to another institution?

Any student interested in transferring credit hours should check with the receiving institution to determine to what extent, if any, credit hours can be transferred. Whether or not credits transfer is solely up to the receiving institution.

6. How far in advance should I pay my tuition and fees?

Postsecondary staff recommends that no student pay tuition and fees prior to 10 days before beginning classes.

7. What should be done in the event that I have a complaint against an administrator, staff, or faculty of an institution authorized by the Division of Postsecondary School Authorization?

Students with complaints should follow the outlined grievance procedures in the institution’s catalog. If the complaint is not resolved at the institutional level, students may send the complaint, in writing, to Postsecondary School Authorization Staff.

8. What should I do to assure that I have a transcript verifying completed coursework and/or diploma or degree completion at an institution I have attended, graduated, and/or withdrawn from?

The Division of Postsecondary School Authorization staff recommends that students secure several copies of their official and unofficial transcripts upon departure, graduation, and/or withdrawal from an institution.