Authorization FAQs

1. What are the legal requirements for operating a postsecondary institution in Alaska?
2. What postsecondary institutions are exempt from authorization?
3. What does authorization mean?
4. Does an authorization status last forever?
5. Are there any reporting requirements for authorized schools?
6. What if my institution wants to add a new program or make changes to existing programs?
7. If I'm purchasing an existing school does the authorization automatically transfer?
8. Can you describe the application process?
9. What are the deadlines associated with applications?
10. What fees are associated with authorization?
11. What is the difference between authorization and accreditation?
12. What if my organization offers distance education or online training?
13. What is an Agent's Permit?
14. Who do I contact for more information?
    

    NOTE: Full details of requirements and definitions of terms are contained in Alaska Statute Chapter 48 and Regulation Chapter 17 available from the right menu. Please send us an email request if you would like hard copies of these statues and regulations.

1. What are the legal requirements for operating a postsecondary institution in Alaska?
All institutions and organizations offering postsecondary education in Alaska, both degree granting and non-degree, are required to be either Authorized or Exempt from authorization by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education. Any institution 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.
Back to Top

2. What postsecondary institutions are exempt from authorization?
Some educational providers are exempt from some or all authorization regulations and are not required to go through the authorization process. Exemptions may be available to those offering ONLY short programs (no more than 80 hours in duration) that do not accumulate into a longer program, those which do not offer educational credentials of any type and for which no fee is charged, and those offered by specified groups soley for their constituents (not available to the general public).

Exemptions are not automatic and are awarded on an individual basis. Educational providers must submit an Application for Exemption to ACPE. Commision staff will evaluate the information provided to determine if the organization is eligible for exemption. If an exempt status is granted, an approval letter will be mailed to the educational provider acknowledging the institution name, location, and programs eligible for exemption. The process generally takes 15 business days from receipt of a completed application.

If the educational provider is not eligible for an exempt status, staff will mail an Initial Authorization Application to the organization.
Back to Top

3. What does "Authorization" mean?
Authorization is the process of determining if a postsecondary educational institution meets minimum standards for operating as set out in state law. Essentially, any entity that offers or conducts a postsecondary program, course, or vocational training, or that offers an educational credential must be authorized, unless exempted as described previously.

The authorization process includes: completing the Initial Authorization Application packet; payment of all appropriate fees; providing required surety; meeting all minimum standards; an on-site facility visit; and, final approval by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education. Read More...

It is important to note that institutional authorization does NOT constitute approval to participate in AlaskAdvantage financial aid programs.
Back to Top

4. Does an authorization status last forever?
No. Authorizations are for specific periods of time. There are two types of authorization: initial and renewal. The initial authorization is normally awarded for a one-year period and must be renewed at the end of the authoriztion period. Authorization may also be provisional upon an applicant's ongoing documentation of meeting specified conditions. The renewal authorization occurs subsequent to the intial authorization and is normally awarded for one to three-year periods.
Back to Top

5. Are there any reporting requirements for authorized schools?
Yes. Institutions are required to submit completion and placement statistics using forms provided by ACPE on an annual basis, as well as meet any other reporting requirements outlined as conditions of authorization.
Back to Top

6. What if my institution wants to add a new program or make changes to existing programs?
Institutions wishing to offer programs of study other than those currently authorized must submit a Program Amendment Application to ACPE and be granted approval prior to offering new or changed programs. See What are the deadlines associated with applications?
Back to Top

7. If I'm purchasing an existing school, does the authorization automatically transfer?
Authorization is non-transferable and is specific to the terms of the application. In the event of a change of ownership or management of an institution, an Initial Authorization Application must be submitted within 30 days of the change.
Back to Top

8. Can you describe the application process?
There is an application required for each of the following actions:

Exemption from Authorization
Initial Authorization
Renewal Authorization
New/Modify Program Approval
New/Change in Location
Change in Ownership
Change in Mission
Agent Permit
Renewal Agent Permit

The application process for each of these approvals is similar, where:

• The institution completes the application packet;
• The institution submits the application, forms, and supporting materials to ACPE;
• Staff reviews the submitted information and schedules a site visit, if necessary.
  • If the information is complete or additional information is required, staff will contact the institution.
  • If the information is complete and a site visit has been conducted, staff’s recommendations are placed on the agenda for the next scheduled meeting of the Commission’s Institutional Standards and Evaluation Committee (ISEC). The institution is notified of staff's recommendation and of the date and location of the Committee meeting.
• During the ISEC meeting, the Committee reviews the information and staff's recommendation, accepts comments from the institution, if any, and makes a recommendation to the full Commission;
• The Commission reviews the information and Committee recommendation, accepts comments from the institution, if any, and takes action; and
• Staff notifies the institution of the Commission's action within 10 days.

Back to Top

9. What are the deadlines associated with applications? Completed applications with supporting materials for Initial Authorization, Renewal Authorization, Change in Programs, and Agent Permit must be submitted to staff no later than the following deadlines:

Change of Ownership materials must be submitted within 30 days of the effective date of the ownership change.

Other applications must be submitted before the effective date of the change.
Back to Top

10. What fees are associated with Authorization?

Exempt Application Fee	$100
Initial Authorization Fee	$2,500
Renewal Authorization Fee	$500-$2,500*
New/Modify Program Fee	$100
Change in Location Fee	$100
Additional Site Inspection Fee	$100
Late Application Fee	$250
Initial Agent’s Fee	$100
Renewal Agent’s Fee	$100

*Based on 3% of average tuition receipts during most recent authorization period
Back to Top

11. What is the difference between authorization and accreditation?
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education is not an accrediting agency. We do, however, approve organizations to offer postsecondary education in the State of Alaska in either an Authorized or Exempt status. Most accrediting agencies require compliance with state law prior to granting accreditation.

Accreditation is a voluntary process when institutions are evaluated and recognized as having met an accrediting agency's standards. There are two types of accrediting associations: institutional accreditation is granted by regional associations that establish standards for the entire school and specialized accreditation is granted by national organizations that establish standards for professional schools and individual educational programs. To offer degree programs in Alaska an institution must be accredited by an accrediting association approved by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Read more...
Back to Top

12. What if my organization offers distance education or online training?
All institutions and organizations offering postsecondary education in Alaska are required to be either Authorized or Exempt from authorization by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education. Back to Top

13. What is an agent's permit?
Any person that is not an employee of the institution yet 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's permit issued through the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education.
Back to Top

14. Who do I contact for more information?
Contact our Institutional Authorization section by  email or phone at (907) 269-7976.
Back to Top