Institutional Authorization & (Consumer Protection)

Providing for the protection, education, and welfare of Alaskans


About Institutional Authorization & Consumer Protection

Authorization to operate a postsecondary educational institution in Alaska, or simply “Authorization,” is granted by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) to postsecondary educational institutions that apply for Authorization and document meeting the minimum standards of operation set forth in law.

The purpose of Institutional Authorization (IA) is “to provide for the protection, education, and welfare of the citizens of the state, its postsecondary educational institutions, and its students” (AS 14.48.010). In other words, IA serves an educational consumer protection function. The statutes and regulations governing postsecondary education in Alaska specifically address:

  1. Standards relating to quality of education; ethics; health and safety; fiscal responsibility; and protection against substandard, transient, unethical, deceptive, or fraudulent institutions or practices;
  2. False or misleading educational credentials;
  3. The use of academic terminology in institutional designations;
  4. Misleading advertisements, solicitations, literature or representation;
  5. Preservation of academic records; and
  6. Rights and remedies available to the public and ACPE for the execution of the statute.

It is important to note that Institutional Authorization does NOT constitute approval to participate in ACPE Funding sources, such as the Alaska Performance Scholarship, Alaska Education Grant, or Educational Loans.

Exemption

ACPE awards exemptions to institutions that qualify under the law or regulations for exemption from some or all of the requirements of Institutional Authorization. Exemptions are not automatic and must be awarded by ACPE, unless otherwise noted. An institution should never assume it is exempt. If an institution cannot qualify for exemption, the institution must be authorized.

Authorization or Exemption status is required for any individual or institution wishing to offer credits, degrees, certificates, or other credentials within the State of Alaska must be either authorized or exempt from authorization under AS 14.48. It is illegal to operate a postsecondary educational institution, advertise or deliver postsecondary education, or recruit postsecondary students, without either Authorization or Exemption from ACPE.

Accreditation

The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is not an accrediting agency. ACPE is Alaska’s authorizing agency that assures institutions meet the minimum postsecondary standards established in Alaska law.

Accreditation is a private, voluntary, non-governmental, peer-review process through which institutions are evaluated and recognized as having met the accrediting agency's standards of educational quality. Most accrediting agencies require compliance with state law prior to granting accreditation. There are two types of accrediting associations

  • Institutional accreditation - granted by Institutional Accrediting Agencies that establish standards for the entire institution
  • Programmatic accreditation - granted by Programmatic Accrediting Agencies that review programs based upon specialty or profession.

To offer degree programs or for institutions to be identified as a “College” or “University” in Alaska, an institution must be accredited by an accrediting association approved by the U.S. Department of Education.

Authorization & Exemption

Authorization to operate a postsecondary educational institution in Alaska, or simply “Authorization,” is granted by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) to postsecondary educational institutions that apply for Authorization and document meeting the minimum standards of operation set forth in law.

Postsecondary education institutions seeking Authorization status, must complete the application, review, and approval process for Initial Authorization. After successfully meeting the standards and benchmarks established in Initial Authorization, the postsecondary education institution must then apply for Renewal of Authorization. Upon successfully submitting the application and gaining approval by the ACPE, the institution may be renewed for a period of up to five (5) years, before undergoing the next Renewal of Authorization process.

ACPE awards exemptions to institutions that qualify under the law or regulations for exemption from some or all of the requirements of Institutional Authorization. Exemptions are not automatic and must be awarded by ACPE, unless otherwise noted. An institution should never assume it is exempt. If an institution cannot qualify for exemption, the institution must be authorized.

Authorization or Exemption status is required for any individual or institution wishing to offer credits, degrees, certificates, or other credentials within the State of Alaska must be either authorized or exempt from authorization under AS 14.48. It is illegal to operate a postsecondary educational institution, advertise or deliver postsecondary education, or recruit postsecondary students, without either Authorization or Exemption from ACPE.

INITIAL AUTHORIZATION

Institutions applying for an Initial Authorization to operate in Alaska must meet minimum standards, as established in Alaska Statute (AS) 14.48 and Section 20 of the Alaska Administrative Code (AAC) Chapter 17. The minimum standards are outlined in the Initial Application for Authorization to Operate a Postsecondary Institution.

The completed application, non-refundable application fee, and all supporting documentation outlined in the packet, in one mailing, should be returned to ACPE, P.O. Box 110505, Juneau, AK, 99811-0505, or emailed to EED.ACPE-IA@alaska.gov If emailing in the application, the application fee will need to be mailed to the address above. All initial authorizations require Commission approval and must be submitted at least 90 days before the Commission meeting at which the request is to be considered.

The application process is follows:

  • The institution submits the appropriate application, forms, and supporting materials to ACPE, including payment of fees.
  • Staff reviews the submitted documentation in three review stages:
    • Initial - Ensuring the completeness of the application. If the application is incomplete or additional information is requested, staff will contact the institution. Staff may establish a deadline to submit additional materials. Failure to meet this established deadline may result in a late fee and/or application deferral to the next scheduled Commission meeting.
    • Compliance - Ensuring compliance with applicable Statues and Regulations.
    • Site Visit - On-site evaluation for compliance.
  • Staff forwards a recommendation to the Commission for consideration at the next scheduled Commission meeting.
  • The Commission reviews the institutional information and staff recommendation at the quarterly meeting. Institution staff may comment on the information and recommendation at the meeting.
  • The institution be invited to the Commission meeting, and a representative for the institution should be prepared to speak on behalf of the institution. A presentation by the institution or its representative may be requested.
  • The Commission takes action on the application (approval, conditional approval, denial, or continuation of application). Initial authorizations may not exceed 18 months.
  • Staff notifies the institution of the Commission's action.

Once an institution is authorized, any amendments to the items submitted in support of the application for Authorization must be submitted to ACPE for approval, including but not limited to policies, procedures, published documents, physical plant, faculty or staff.

In addition to Authorization, institutions receiving Initial Authorization must continue meeting compliance standards with future Renewals of Authorization and Annual Reporting.

RENEWAL OF AUTHORIZATION

The completed application, application fee, and all supporting documentation outlined in the packet, in one mailing or email, should be returned to ACPE, P.O. Box 110505, Juneau, AK, 99811-0505 or EED.ACPE-IA@alaska.gov. All Renewal of Authorizations require Commission approval and must be submitted at least 90 days before the date on which the institutions current Authorization it scheduled to expire.

There are no fees for Renewal of Authorization as institutions participate in Annual Reporting.

The application process is as follows:

  • Staff reviews the submitted documentation in three review stages:
    • Initial - Ensuring the completeness of the application. If the application is incomplete or additional information is requested, staff will contact the institution. Staff may establish a deadline to submit additional materials. Failure to meet this established deadline may result in a late fee and/or deferral to the next regularly scheduled Commission meeting.
    • If this deferral occurs the institution may not operate other than under an approved teach-out plan until the Commission Authorizes the Renewal.
    • Compliance - Ensuring compliance with applicable Statues and Regulations.
    • Site Visit - On-site evaluation for compliance.
  • The institution submits the appropriate application, forms, and supporting materials to ACPE.
  • Staff forwards a recommendation to the Commission for consideration at the next scheduled Commission meeting.
  • The Commission reviews the institution information and staff recommendation at the quarterly meeting. Institution staff may comment on the information and recommendation at the meeting.
  • The institution be invited to the Commission meeting, and a representative for the institution should be prepared to speak on behalf of the institution. A presentation by the institution or its representative may be requested.
  • The Commission takes action on the application (approval, conditional approval, denial, or continuation of application). Renewal of authorizations may not exceed five years.
  • Staff notifies the institution of the Commission's action.

Once an institution is authorized, any amendments to the items submitted in support of the application for Authorization must be submitted to ACPE for approval, including but not limited to policies, procedures, published documents, physical plant, faculty or staff.

In addition to authorization institutions being renewed, they must continue compliance with Annual Reporting and obtaining approval for any changes prior to implementation.

ANNUAL REPORTING

Authorized institutions must file an Annual Report which documents an institution’s compliance with life and safety requirements, fiscal responsibility, and student outcome reporting metrics.

Annual Reporting Process

The completed form, Annual Reporting fee, and all supporting documentation outlined in the packet, in one mailing, should be returned to ACPE, P.O. Box 110505, Juneau, AK, 99811-0505, on or before December 1st annually.

Staff may assess a late fee if an institution fails to provide the information on or before the December 1st deadline.

CHANGE IN AUTHORIZATION

Amendments to Authorization, Administrative Approval, Change of Ownership

Status changes that depart from the information specified in the institutions most recent Renewal of Authorization application must be approved by the Commission before implementation, regardless of it requiring or not requiring Commission action. Amendments to Authorization or a Change of Owner require Commission Action, and some changes to an institutions Authorization may be change via Administrative Approval.

Amendments to Authorization

Institutions may make amendments to the institutions authorization status, including Programs, Locations, and Mission.


Application Process

Changes to an authorized institution, require Commission approval and must be submitted at least 90 days before the Commission meeting at which the request is to be considered. Applications follow a similar process to other Authorization matters:

  • The institution submits the appropriate application, forms, and supporting materials to ACPE, including payment of fees.
  • Staff reviews the submitted documentation and schedules a site visit, as necessary. If the information is incomplete or additional information is required, staff will contact the institution.
  • Staff forwards a recommendation to the Commission for consideration at the next scheduled Commission meeting. 
  • The Commission reviews the institution information and staff recommendation at the quarterly meeting. Institution staff may comment on the information and recommendation at the meeting.
  • The Commission takes action on the application.
  • Staff notifies the institution of the Commission's action.

The institution shall present a program amendment application for approval of additional fields or courses in which it seeks to offer instruction. This action may be contingent on the institution obtaining approval from other regulatory bodies.

Prior to offering instruction at a new location, the institution must be approved by the Commission to ensure evidence of compliance with applicable state, municipal, and federal licensing, zoning, health, and safety requirements.

If an institution wishes to make alterations to its existing location that deviates from the most recent Renewal of Authorization, the institution must obtain approval prior to making changes.

All institutions must have a clear and explicate statement of institutional purpose that describes measureable goals and outcomes, and provide programs consistent with the institutions statement of purpose. If an institution wishes to change its mission or purpose, it must obtain approval.



Change of Ownership

An institution with an Authorization to Operate shall notify the Commission before entering into contracts or negotiations related to sale of the institution. At least 30 days before the effective date of a Change of Ownership of an institution, the new owner shall submit an Application for Initial Authorization and application fee. The completed application must include the required fee a description of any changes to be made at the institution as a result of the Change in Ownership, the effective date of the change, and a statement of the assets and obligations that will be transferred. Upon determination that the application is complete, the Commission staff shall place the application on the agenda for the next Commission meeting. An institution that administers financial aid on behalf of the Commission must have a Change in Ownership approved in order to be eligible to continue to administer that aid. Upon approval by the Commission, the Commission will issue to the institution an Authorization to Operate.


Administrative Approval

Not all items require Commission action and may be Administratively Approved if they are not substantive. Changes that may follow the Administrative Approval process include:

  • Curriculum, Program Name,
  • Instructional Delivery Method
  • Senior Management
  • Tuition Changes
  • Discontinuing Program
  • Institutional Name
  • Catalog/Enrollment Contracts

EXEMPTION FROM AUTHORIZATION

ACPE awards Exemptions to those institutions that qualify under the law or regulations for exemption from some or all of the requirements of Institutional Authorization. Exemptions are not automatic and must be awarded by ACPE, unless otherwise noted. An institution should never assume it is exempt. If an institution cannot qualify for Exemption, the institution will need to be Authorized.


There are two types of exemptions:

Those institutions exclusively offering instruction at one, some, or all levels from preschool through grade 12 are exempt from the institutional authorization statutes and regulations and need not apply for such exemptions. Additionally, programs operated by the United States government, programs that do not offer educational credentials and provided only to prepare individuals to take graduate exams, a program that does not offer educational credentials and is only avocational or recreational in nature, and a program that is in a field that does not require a professional or occupational license under AS 08, provides training primarily for recreational purposes, and at an the advanced training level, prepares graduates to teach or instruct in that field.

For institutions that do not qualify for a statutory exemption, they may qualify for one of the following regulatory exemptions:

  • Offered solely by and for a professional organizations members
  • A program that does not offer educational credentials
  • A program that is continuing professional education offered solely as preparation for tests leading to certification in specific disciplines, but not purporting to provide occupational competencies
  • A program or institution that is operated by another state agency or political subdivision of the state
  • A program that is regulated by another agency or political subdivision of the state that sets and enforces standards equivalent to AS 14.48.060
  • A short course of study that is not more than 15 days or 120 hours in duration, including all required class, laboratory, externship, and independent study hours
  • A program that is provided without charging tuition or fees, except for the actual cost of materials and supplies needed to successfully meet the learning objectives of the program
  • A program that does not result in the awarding of a degree, and that is sponsored by and conducted solely for the membership of a bona fide religious organization
  • A flight-training course that maintains current certification under 14 C.F.R. Part 141 or 142
  • An apprenticeship or other on-the-job training program through which the trainee is a paid employee and does not pay tuition, and that is offered by an entity that is not a postsecondary educational institution

Exemption for Institutional Authorization Process

Statutory Exemption: If you feel your entity is statutorily exempt, please contact ACPE prior to submitting an application.


Regulatory Exemption:


The completed application, non-refundable application fee, and all supporting documentation outlined in the packet, in one mailing or email, should be returned to ACPE, P.O. Box 110505, Juneau, AK, 99811-0505 or EED.ACPE-IA@alaska.gov All exempt applications are reviewed and approved by Commission staff, and can be approved for up to five years. Should a change occur in the organization or program from what has been approved for exemption it will be necessary to notify the commission, at which time the institution's exempt status may be re-evaluated.


Exemption status is required for any individual or institution wishing to offer credits, degrees, certificates, or other credentials within the State of Alaska, as individuals or institutions must be either authorized or exempted from authorization under AS 14.48. It is illegal to operate a postsecondary educational institution, advertise or deliver postsecondary education, or recruit postsecondary students, without either authorization or exemption from ACPE.

If an individual or institution is not able to obtain exemption status, the institution will be required to be authorized. See Initial Authorization.

ONLINE DISTANCE EDUCATION EXEMPTION

ACPE awards exemptions to those institutions that qualify under the law or regulations for exemption from some or all of the requirements of institutional authorization for the purposes of online or distance education. For institutions participating in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, or for more information, please see the tab on the left titled "NC-SARA".

For out of state institutions that do not participate in SARA, institutions may qualify for the following regulatory exemption from institutional authorization:

  • an online or distance delivered program that does not have a physical presence within the state.

Physical presence is defined as the presence within the state of paid staff or faculty, or a facility or address; in this paragraph, "faculty" and "staff" does not include site supervisors or mentors for local internships or practica, or adjunct personnel; staff or faculty residing within the state but working from a location other than the facility of a postsecondary educational institution does not constitute a physical presence.

A distance education or online program exempt from authorization requirements must include a conspicuous statement on the institution’s marketing in the state indicating that the program is exempt from authorization under AS 14.48 and 20 AAC 17.015 because the program is online or distance delivered and does not have a physical presence in the state.

Institutions whose name includes the words “University” or “College” must be accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Online/Distance Education Exemption for Institutional Authorization Process
The completed application, non-refundable application fee, and all supporting documentation outlined in the packet, in one mailing, should be returned to ACPE, P.O. Box 110505, Juneau, AK, 99811-0505. Online/Distance Education exempt applications are reviewed and approved by Commission staff, and can be approved for up to two years. Should a change occur in the organization or program from what has been approved for exemption it will be necessary to notify the commission, at which time the institution's exempt status may be re-evaluated.

NC_SARA

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement In May 2014, Alaska was approved by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) to become a member of the WICHE State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (W-SARA). The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) has been designated as the state portal, or lead, agency for all SARA-related matters. What is SARA? SARA is a voluntary agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes comparable nationwide standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. SARA does not supersede state laws governing institutions with a physical presence in the state. Prior to SARA, accredited postsecondary institutions were required to obtain approval to deliver distance education in every state in which online degree or certificate programs were offered. Under SARA, colleges or universities in a SARA state only need authorization from the state where the main/central campus or central administrative unit resides – known as the "home state" – to offer distance education to residents of any other SARA member state. The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) oversees SARA agreements. Four regional higher education interstate compacts are responsible for implementing the agreements in their member states. Alaska is a member of the WICHE compact. ACPE's Role Each SARA member state is required to designate a portal agency responsible for overseeing SARA-related activities in that state. As Alaska's designated portal agency, ACPE is responsible for: determining if an Alaska postsecondary institution is eligible for SARA participation; ensuring participating Alaska institutions are in compliance with SARA rules and policies; serving as the point of contact for other SARA member states and their agencies; and investigating and resolving complaints against an Alaska SARA-participating institutions that are not addressed by the institution's grievance or complaints policy. SARA and Alaska Institutions Accredited, degree-granting institutions in Alaska that offer distance education courses can seek approval from ACPE to participate in SARA. If approved, these institutions will be able to deliver distance education to students in any other SARA member state without needing to seek independent authorization from those states. Accredited postsecondary Alaska institutions may apply for SARA participation by completing the Application and Approval Form for Institution Participation in SARA & the Addendum to Institutional Participation in SARA Form. The following Alaska institutions have been approved to participate in SARA:

  • Alaska Career College
  • Alaska Pacific University
  • Charter College
  • University of Alaska Anchorage
  • University of Alaska Fairbanks
  • University of Alaska Southeast
A list of SARA-participating institutions in other SARA member states can be found on the NC-SARA website. Because SARA is voluntary, institutions that elect not to participate are still required to go through the authorization process in state where they wish to offer distance-delivered postsecondary education. SARA and Students The standardized process requires that a student enrolled in a distance education program at a SARA-participating institution must first seek resolution of a complaint through the institution's published grievance or complaints process. Unresolved complaints may be brought to ACPE for review. If a person bringing a complaint is not satisfied with the outcome of the institutional process for handling complaints, the complaint (except for complaints about grades or student conduct violations) may be appealed, within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made, to the SARA Portal Entity in the home state of the institution against which the complaint has been lodged. For more information, see Student Complaints.

Alaska Postsecondary Institutions

Click here to view a list of Alaska's Authorized and Exempt Postsecondary Institutions. Please note that this is not a complete list of Exempt Institutions, as only schools located in Alaska are included. Exempt, out-of-state institutions offering distance education to Alaska residents are not listed.

Alaska's Authorized & Exempt Postsecondary Institutions

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Authorization and Amendment Application Deadline at 5:00pm, AKST, on date below
Commission Meeting at which application will be considered: (Date)
  • April 25, 2025 (July 24, 2025)
  • July 11, 2025 (October 9, 2025)
  • October 17, 2025 (January 15, 2026)
  • January 2, 2026 (April 2, 2026)
  • Authorization – Initial & Change of Ownership = $2,750 for three programs, plus $750 for additional programs, $5,000 max
  • Authorization - Reporting = $400-$1,000*
  • Exemption from Authorization = $250
  • Amendment to Authorization: New Program; Mission, or Location = $750
  • Additional Site Inspection = $500
  • Administrative Approval = $200
  • Late Application = $250
  • Agent’s Permit - Initial = $500
  • Agent’s Permit - Renewal = $250
* The Annual Reporting fee is set at 1.2% of average tuition receipts during the most recent authorization period