Postsecondary Schools and State Authorization

Postsecondary Schools and State Authorization Fees

  • Initial Applications: Non-refundable $850.00 registration fee 
    • For Public Postsecondary Schools this is a one time fee
  • Renewal Applications: Non-refundable $850.00 registration fee
  • Registration Frequency:
    • Unaccredited Postsecondary Schools: Annually
    • Accredited Postsecondary Schools: Every two years

Required Documents

Public Postsecondary Schools Only
  • Documentation demonstrating the postsecondary school is a public postsecondary school.
  • A copy of the school’s current accreditation statement

Both Accredited and Unaccredited Schools

  • A Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Good Standing
  • A list of all of the programs the school offers, including:
    • The total cost of each program; and
    • The total number of credit hours for each program

Financial Statements and Supporting Documentation (See R152-34-4 of the Administrative Rules for more information)

  1. For Initial Applicants with No Prior Operating Activity:
    • A Pro Forma Financial Statement (for the first 12 months of operation)
    • A personal credit report from each individual with 20% or more ownership interest in the school 
      • the personal credit report should contain a credit score
  2. For Schools with Prior Operating Activity (Based on Gross Tuition Revenue):
    • $500,000 or More in Gross Tuition Revenue:
      • The two most recent fiscal year-end audited financial statements*, completed by an external Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in accordance with GAAP.
    • $250,000 to $499,999.99 in Gross Tuition Revenue:
      • The two most recent fiscal year-end audited financial statements* completed by an external CPA in accordance with GAAP; OR
      • The two most recent fiscal year-end reviewed financial statements completed by an external CPA.
    • $0 to $249,999.99 in Gross Tuition Revenue
      • The two most recent fiscal year-end audited financial statements completed by an external CPA in accordance with GAAP; OR
      • The two most recent fiscal year-end reviewed financial statements completed by an external CPA; OR
      • Unaudited financial statements for each of the two most recent fiscal years, a commercial credit report*, and a personal credit report* for each of the postsecondary school's owners.

*Additional Notes about Financial Requirements

For schools submitting credit reports: credit reports must be no more than 60 days old, have visible credit scores, and include reports from Equifax, Experian, and Transunion, if available.

For schools who are submitting audited financial statements: if audited financial statements are submitted, they must include a composite score from the U.S. Department of Education.

Additional School-Specific Documents

  • For Unaccredited Schools Only:
    • A list of all the school’s owners and their percentage of ownership.
  • For Accredited Schools Only:
    • A copy of the school’s current accreditation statement.
  • Fore Longstanding Non-Profit Schools Only:
    • A copy of the school’s IRS Determination Letter.

Surety Requirements (If Applicable)

  • For a Postsecondary School with No Prior Operating Activity:
  • For a Postsecondary School with Prior Operating Activity (with a surety on file):
    • A surety bond continuation certificate; OR
    • Documentation showing an irrevocable letter of credit or certificate of deposit’s expiration or maturity date.

The amount required in Surety varies. To determine the amount of surety required refer to R152-34-5 of the Administrative Rules.

Other Documents

  • If applicable, a GRAMA business confidentiality claim.