Institutional Authorization
All postsecondary educational providers in Alaska, and the programs they offer, must be authorized in accordance with law as set forth in AS 14.48, or be formally determined by ACPE to be exempt from authorization in Alaska. ACPE's authorization process is designed to ensure postsecondary education providers and programs meet minimum standards set out in law, relative to:
- institutional financial soundness
- ethical business practices
- educational program quality
- administrative capacity
You can review a list of schools authorized to operate, or exempt from the authorization process in Alaska.
Authorization
Authorization is the process of determining if a postsecondary educational institution meets minimum standards to operate in the State as prescribed by law. An entity that offers a postsecondary program, course, vocational training, or an educational credential - including distance education - must be authorized unless it is formally determined by ACPE to be exempt from authorization. An institution or organization operating or advertising to begin operation without acquiring the necessary approval from the Commission is in violation of Alaska law and may be subject to civil and/or criminal penalties.
To become authorized, an institution must:
- submit an application
- pay appropriate fees
- provide required surety
- meet minimum standards regarding quality of education, ethical business practices, and fiscal responsibility as described in law
- go through a successful on-site facility visit
- receive final approval by the Commission
Read more about the authorization process. Note that institutional authorization does not constitute approval to participate in AlaskAdvantage financial aid programs. For more information, contact the Institutional Authorization section at EED.ACPE-IA@alaska.gov, or 907-465-6741.
Duration of Status
ACPE normally awards initial authorization for a one-year period. The institution must renew authorization at the end of this period. Authorization may also be provisional upon an applicant's ongoing documentation of meeting specified conditions. ACPE normally awards renewal authorization for one- to three-year periods.
Reporting Requirements
Institutions are required to submit student outcome information in a format provided by the Commission, and meet all other reporting requirements outlined as conditions of authorization.
Making Changes
Authorization is specific to the terms of the authorization application and is not transferable. An application is required for each of the following actions:
- initial authorization
- renewal authorization
- offering a new program or modifying an approved program
- opening a new location or changing a location
- sale, transfer, or other change in ownership
- changing the mission
- obtaining or renewing an agent permit
Applications for initial or renewal authorization and agent permits must be submitted by the appropriate quarter deadline to be considered at the next Commission meeting. Applications for change of ownership must be submitted within 30 days of the effective date of the ownership change. All other applications must be submitted before the effective date of the change.
Application Process
Applications for initial or renewal authorization, or any changes to the authorization,require approval from ACPE. They follow a similar process:
- The institution submits the application, forms, and supporting materials toACPE, including payment of appropriate fees.
- Staff reviews the submitted information and schedules a site visit, if necessary.
- If the information is incomplete or additional information is required, staff will contact the institution.
- Once the information is complete and a site visit has been conducted,staff places are commendation for approval or rejection on the agenda of the next scheduled Commission meeting and notifies the institution.
- At the Commission meeting, commissioners review the institution information and staff recommendation. The institution may comment on the information and recommendation. The Commission then takes action on the application.
- Staff notifies the institution of the Commission's action within 10 days of the Commission meeting.
Application Fees and Deadlines
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Deadlines
|
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Fees
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| Exempt Application Fee |
$100 |
| Initial Authorization Fee |
$2,500 |
| Renewal Authorization Fee |
$500-$2,500* |
| New/Modify Program Fee |
$100 |
| Change in Location Fee |
$500 |
| Additional Site Inspection Fee |
$500 |
| Late Application Fee |
$250 |
| Initial Agent’s Fee |
$500 |
| Renewal Agent’s Fee |
$250 |
* The fee for Renewal Authorization is set at 3% of average tuition receipts during the most recent authorization period
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For an application for initial or renewal authorization, or an agent permit:
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Application Deadline
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Commission Meeting at which application will be acted on:
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| October 31 |
January |
| January 31 |
April |
| April 30 |
July |
| July 31 |
October |
Applications for change of ownership must be submitted within 30 days of the effective date of the ownership change.
All other applications must be submitted before the effective date of the change.
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Non-Employee Recruiters
Any person that is not an employee of the institution,but recruits prospective students for enrollment at, or granting educational credentials from, a postsecondary educational institution, whether in or outside of Alaska, must have an agent permit issued through the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education.
Alaska Postsecondary Immunization Act
The Alaska Postsecondary Immunization Act of 2005 requires that all educational providers give written notice to each student regarding meningococcal disease. The educational provider must obtain and maintain a record of each student’s signature indicating the student has either received an immunization against the disease, or received written notification informing them of meningococcal disease.
Institutions may insert their letterhead to a sample form and use it in meeting this requirement. You may also wish to distribute these frequently asked questions and answers about meningococcal disease.
Statutes and Regulations
Requirements for authorization to operate in Alaska and definitions for terms used in the authorization process are described in Chapter 48 of the Alaska Statutes, and in Chapter 17 of the Alaska Administrative Code.