North Dakota: A Step By Step Guide To Obtain State Approval For A Private Post Secondary Institution

Licensing Agency

North Dakota’s oversight of private postsecondary education is split between two state agencies: the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education (SBHE), which regulates private degree-granting colleges and universities, and the North Dakota State Board for Career and Technical Education (SBCTE), which regulates private postsecondary vocational and career schools. Each board has its own authorization process and requirements as outlined below.

Agency Contact

North Dakota University System – State Authorization Unit (SBHE)
Address: NDUS Office, 10th Floor, State Capitol Building, 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505-0602
Phone: 701-328-2960
Email: stateauth@ndus.edu
Contact: State Authorization Program Administrator (handles inquiries and submissions for SBHE)

North Dakota State Board for Career and Technical Education – Private Postsecondary Schools
Address: ND Department of Career and Technical Education, 15th Floor, State Capitol, 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 270, Bismarck, ND 58505-0610
Phone: 701-328-2678
Contact: Administrator, Postsecondary Career Schools (handles licensing applications and compliance for SBCTE)
Website: cte.nd.gov (For forms and additional guidance on private postsecondary career school authorization)

Degree-Granting Institutions

Process

North Dakota law (ND Century Code ch. 15-18.1) requires any private institution offering post-secondary degrees (associate or higher) physically located in North Dakota to secure authorization from the SBHE before advertising or operating in the state. The approval process is as follows:

• Determine Exemption Status – First, consult the state law to see if the institution qualifies for an exemption. Certain entities (e.g. public institutions, long-established accredited colleges, religious or charitable programs with no degrees, etc.) are exempt from SBHE authorization. If exempt, formal SBHE licensure may not be required (though voluntary authorization is available). Most new degree-granting private schools will not be exempt and must proceed with the application.
• Accreditation Prerequisite – North Dakota mandates institutional accreditation. The school must either be accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized agency or, if not yet accredited, be making active progress toward accreditation. New institutions can receive a provisional authorization (typically valid for one year and renewable) while they work toward initial accreditation, but they must demonstrate good-faith progress. Full, regular authorization is only granted once accreditation is achieved.
• Prepare Application Materials – Gather all required documentation for the SBHE application. This includes organizational and academic materials such as: corporate registration in North Dakota (certificate from the ND Secretary of State), governance information (owners/board members and contact details), articles of incorporation or charter, a catalog of proposed programs (with course outlines, degree requirements, admission criteria, and academic policies), faculty roster with credentials (CVs, degrees, experience), a description of facilities and equipment at the ND location, financial documentation (recent audited financial statements or financial responsibility data; North Dakota will review the institution’s federal composite financial score which generally must exceed 1.5), and a student surety bond for consumer protection. (Note: The SBHE requires a surety bond if the school has a physical presence in ND – often set at 10% of the annual gross tuition income in North Dakota, with a minimum bond amount around $10,000.)
• Submit Application – Complete the official State Authorization application for degree institutions. North Dakota’s University System provides an online portal for this process. Create an account and fill out the application form with all institutional details (school name, address, website, degree level, accreditation information, etc.). Upload the supporting documents collected above. Ensure that any program-specific licensure information is noted (for example, if you plan programs in fields like nursing or teacher education, which involve additional approvals – see “Additional Review” below).
• Fees Payment – Pay the required state authorization fees. North Dakota imposes a substantial review fee for in-state degree institutions: the initial application fee is $4,500 for a school establishing a physical presence. Annual renewals of the authorization carry a fee of $2,000. (By contrast, purely online institutions with no physical campus in ND pay a smaller fee of about $250.) Payment is typically made through the online application portal or via the instructions provided (e.g. electronic payment or mailed check). The fee must be submitted for the application to be processed.
• Review & Evaluation – Once the application package is submitted, the SBHE (through the ND University System office) conducts a thorough review. Staff will check that the application is complete and that the institution meets all minimum standards (accreditation status, ethical business practices, academic quality, financial responsibility, etc.). The board may investigate further as needed – this can include requesting additional information, engaging academic experts to evaluate proposed programs, and potentially conducting a site visit to the ND campus or facility. The goal is to ensure the school can operate in compliance with state standards and protect students (for example, the refund policy must align with state rules and the surety bond must be adequate).
• Additional Review – North Dakota coordinates with other regulatory bodies for certain specialized programs. If the institution plans to offer a program leading to professional licensure or certification (for instance, a nursing degree or a teacher education program), additional approvals are required. Nursing programs must be approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing, and teacher education programs must be approved by the ND Education Standards and Practices Board. State law also requires institutions to notify students in writing whether a given program meets North Dakota’s requirements for professional licensure or certification in that field. Be prepared to document such program approvals or student notifications as part of your compliance.
• Licensure Decision – After review, the SBHE will act on the application. Final approval is granted by the Board (often at a scheduled board meeting) once all requirements are satisfied. If approved, the institution is issued an Authorization to Operate as a degree-granting postsecondary institution in North Dakota. The authorization letter or certificate will list any approved degree programs and may specify conditions (for example, a provisional term if the school is not yet fully accredited). An initial authorization is typically valid for one year (especially if provisional). The institution may begin advertising, enrolling, and offering instruction only after this authorization is in hand. (Operating or even advertising degree programs in ND without authorization is unlawful and subject to penalties.)

Continuous Compliance – After obtaining authorization, a private college must operate in strict accordance with North Dakota’s laws and the conditions of its approval. Academic and operational integrity must be maintained at all times. Key ongoing compliance areas include:

• Accreditation Maintenance: The institution must keep its accreditation current. If any change occurs (loss of accreditation, probation status, etc.), the SBHE must be notified within 30 days. A loss of accreditation can invalidate the state authorization.
  
  
• Bond and Financial Security: The surety bond filed for student protection must be kept active. Each year, as part of renewal, the school should recalculate the required bond amount (based on 10% of the prior year’s tuition revenue in ND, with $10,000 minimum) and adjust the bond if necessary. Proof of bond coverage is typically required at renewal.
  
  
• Student Consumer Protection: The school must adhere to North Dakota’s student protection rules, including having a fair refund policy for students who withdraw. ND mandates specific refund guidelines (generally pro-rated based on enrollment period completed, except for a small initial fee). These refund terms should be clearly published in the catalog and enrollment agreement. The institution must also maintain a student complaint procedure and publish the contact information for state oversight agencies (SBHE/NDUS for academic issues, or the Attorney General’s office for certain grievances) so that students know their rights.
  
  
• Authorized Scope: Only the degree programs and locations that were authorized may be offered. If the school wants to launch a new program or degree level, or open a new campus/site in North Dakota, it must seek SBHE approval in advance. Unauthorized programs or major changes are not allowed without an amendment to the authorization.
  
  
• Advertising and Representation: The institution must represent itself honestly. It should include its authorization number or statement where appropriate. North Dakota law prohibits unapproved schools from using protected terms like “college” or “university,” so once authorized, those terms can be used but not in a misleading way (e.g., a school shouldn’t claim to be “approved by” or “endorsed by” the SBHE beyond the fact of being authorized). Any advertising targeted in ND should reflect the authorized status and only promise credentials the school is permitted to grant.
  
  
• Records and Reporting: Schools need to keep proper student records (transcripts, enrollment agreements, financial ledgers, etc.) and have academic and attendance records available for inspection by regulators. The SBHE may require periodic reports, such as annual enrollment data or financial updates, which must be submitted fully and on time.
  
  
• Professional Programs Compliance: For programs in fields like education or nursing, ongoing compliance with the respective professional boards is required (e.g., maintaining Board of Nursing approval of a nursing program). Also, the institution must continuously provide updated notifications to students if any program’s licensure eligibility changes.
  
  

North Dakota has provisions to enforce these responsibilities. Failure to comply with Chapter 15-18.1 or any SBHE rules can lead to fines, suspension, or revocation of the authorization. In essence, after receiving approval, a school must run a quality operation and cooperate with oversight to remain in good standing.

Renewal
Authorized private degree-granting institutions in North Dakota must renew their authorization regularly (generally every year). The renewal process ensures that the institution continues to meet state standards. Well ahead of the authorization’s expiration date (the state suggests at least 90 days prior), the institution should initiate the renewal application. North Dakota’s renewal is often done through the same online portal system: the school will log in, update any information that has changed, and upload current versions of required documents. For example, a renewal submission will include the latest school catalog, any new or revised program curricula, updated faculty lists (noting any new instructors and their qualifications), current financial statements (to demonstrate ongoing stability), evidence of the current surety bond, and any updated accreditation documentation (such as an accreditation reaffirmation letter or status report). If the institution was on provisional status, it must show progress toward full accreditation to have the provisional authorization extended or converted to regular status. The renewal application must be accompanied by the renewal fee ($2,000). Once the renewal package is submitted, the SBHE/NDUS will review it much like an initial application, though renewals of established compliant schools are typically more streamlined. Upon approval, a renewal authorization letter is issued, extending the school’s approval for another term (the new expiration date will be noted). It’s crucial to never let the authorization lapse; operating past the expiration without renewal is equivalent to operating without a license. North Dakota does not automatically renew licenses – affirmative submission by the institution is required each cycle. If an institution decides to discontinue operations in North Dakota, it should notify the SBHE rather than simply not renew, since teach-out and record preservation arrangements may need to be confirmed.

 Checklist of Required Items (Degree-Granting)

• Completed Application Form: The NDUS State Authorization online application, fully filled out with institutional information and contacts.
  
  
• Certificate of Incorporation/Authority: Proof of registration to do business in North Dakota (from the ND Secretary of State) and the institution’s articles of incorporation or charter documentation.
  
  
• Accreditation Evidence: Documentation of current accreditation (accreditation certificate or letter) or, if seeking provisional authorization, evidence of steps taken toward accreditation (e.g. correspondence with an accreditor, application for candidacy). Include any disclosure of accreditation sanctions or probation if applicable.
  
  
• Academic Catalog: The institution’s catalog or prospectus detailing all degree programs to be offered in ND, including program descriptions, course listings, credit hours, admissions requirements, academic policies, grading standards, and the tuition and fees schedule.
  
  
• Program Curriculum Plans: Outlines or syllabi for each proposed degree program (may be part of the catalog or separate), showing the curriculum design, objectives, and outcomes for each program or degree.
  
  
• Faculty Credentials: A list of instructional faculty and key academic administrators, along with their qualifications (degrees held, professional experience, relevant licenses or certifications). Résumés or CVs should be provided to demonstrate that faculty meet credential requirements for teaching at the degree level proposed.
  
  
• Financial Statements: Recent audited financial statements (or at minimum, compiled statements if audits are not available for a newer institution) to evidence the institution’s financial soundness. Include the U.S. Department of Education composite score (if the school is Title IV eligible) or equivalent financial health indicators. This helps the state assess the school’s fiscal capability to support its educational programs.
  
  
• Surety Bond: A copy of the executed surety bond made out to the State of North Dakota (through SBHE) as beneficiary. The bond must meet the minimum required amount (typically $10,000 or more, depending on expected tuition revenue). Include proof that the bond premium has been paid for the current year.
  
  
• Facility Information: Documentation of the ND physical location – for example, a lease agreement or deed for the campus site, and a brief description or floor plan of the instructional facilities (classrooms, labs, libraries, etc.) to ensure they are adequate for the programs.
  
  
• Enrollment Agreement (if used): If the school uses a student enrollment contract or agreement, provide a sample copy. This document should reflect the required ND refund policy and not contain any clauses that violate student rights under ND law.
  
  
• Advertising/Marketing Materials: (If available) Examples of brochures, web pages, or other marketing content the institution will use in North Dakota. The state reviews these for any misleading claims.
  
  
• Professional Program Approvals: If applicable, letters or proof of program approval from relevant boards (e.g. a letter from the Board of Nursing approving a proposed nursing program, or from the Education Standards board for a teaching program). If these are in progress, provide evidence of submission to those boards.
  
  
• Payment of Fees: Receipt or confirmation of payment for the application fee. (If paid online, a screenshot or email confirmation is acceptable; if mailed, a copy of the check and cover letter.)
  
  

(Having these items organized and ready will facilitate a smooth application. North Dakota may provide an official checklist – use it to double-check that nothing is missing before submission.)

Fees & Timelines (Degree-Granting Institutions)
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Vocational and Career Schools

Non-degree postsecondary career schools (trade, technical, and vocational institutions offering diplomas or certificates up to the associate of applied science level) follow a similar path to licensure, under the oversight of the SBCTE. The overall steps mirror those for degree institutions, with adjustments in requirements and fees to suit vocational programs:

Process

Private career schools must obtain authorization from the SBCTE before operating in North Dakota, unless exempt under law (NDCC ch. 15-20.4). In general, the process involves determining exemption, preparing an application, submitting materials to the SBCTE, and undergoing a review. Key steps include:

• Confirm Jurisdiction – Verify that the school falls under SBCTE authority and is not exempt. NDCC 15-20.4-02 provides exemptions specific to career schools (for example, purely avocational courses, short seminars, programs regulated by other boards like cosmetology or barbering, etc. – see State Exemptions list below). If the school’s offerings are indeed vocational postsecondary programs for the general public, and not covered by an exemption, proceed to apply for a career school authorization.
• Out-of-State Institutions – If the applicant is an out-of-state-based career school looking to open a location in North Dakota, note that SBCTE has an additional requirement: the school must already be authorized in its home state and accredited. The board will not grant a provisional license to an unaccredited out-of-state school. Essentially, branches of established accredited schools are welcome, but brand-new unaccredited vocational schools need to achieve some accreditation candidacy before North Dakota will approve them.
• Prepare Application Package – Collect all information and documents needed for the SBCTE application. Much like the degree process, this will include corporate details (ownership, incorporation and ND business registration), descriptions of the programs/trades to be taught, and evidence of the school’s capacity to deliver quality training. Vocational-specific documentation is emphasized: a school catalog that outlines each program or course (objectives, curriculum, length, costs, and any entry requirements), the names and qualifications of all instructors and administrators, descriptions of training equipment and facilities (for hands-on programs), the school’s policies on attendance, grading, and conduct, as well as the tuition and fee schedule and the state-required refund policy (career schools must adhere to NDCC 15-20.4-06 on tuition refunds). A copy of the student enrollment agreement/contract is required, showing terms of enrollment and refund provisions. Financial readiness must be shown via a current financial statement (prepared by a CPA) demonstrating resources to cover at least one year of operation. Additionally, the school must obtain a surety bond payable to the State of ND (through SBCTE) to protect student tuition – the bond amount is calculated as 10% of the school’s gross tuition income, with a minimum of $10,000 and capped at $100,000 (schools with no prior income use $10,000 as a base).
• Submit Application – Unlike the degree institutions, which use an online system, career schools typically apply via paper application forms provided by the SBCTE. The completed application form and all supporting documents should be mailed or delivered to the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education (which administers SBCTE matters). The application must be signed by an authorized school official. It’s wise to send it with tracking or as certified mail to confirm delivery. Along with the application, include the required application fee payment (see below) and the initial surety bond documentation. Ensure the packet is complete; missing items will delay processing. If the school is claiming any exemption or special consideration, there is also a form to formally request an exemption determination from the SBCTE.
• Fees Payment – Pay the non-refundable licensing fees to the ND Department of Career and Technical Education. For private career schools, the initial application fee is $1,000, and the annual renewal fee is $500. These fees are typically paid by check or money order made out to the “North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education.” If the school later seeks approval to add new programs or additional degree levels (e.g. adding an A.A.S. program), additional fees may be charged to cover the cost of external evaluations. All fees must be submitted with the application; the board will not act on an application until the payment is received.
• Review & Evaluation – After submission, SBCTE officials (and CTE Department staff) will review the application for completeness and compliance. They will examine the curriculum of each program to ensure it meets educational standards for the career field and leads to legitimate skill attainment or employment outcomes. Instructor qualifications are verified (instructors should usually have relevant industry experience or educational background in the trade they teach). The school’s facility may be evaluated to confirm it is safe and adequate (e.g. labs or workshops have the proper equipment and meet health and safety codes). The board may forward parts of the application to designated experts in the specific vocational field for an independent review and recommendations. For example, if a school is proposing a new dental assisting program, the SBCTE might ask an expert in that field to review the curriculum for completeness. North Dakota also requires that each authorized career school has a clear student complaint resolution procedure, so the reviewers will check that the catalog contains a complaint policy and includes the contact information for the state (students must be informed that they can escalate unresolved issues to the ND CTE Department). A compliance check of the refund policy will be done (the refund schedule must at least meet state minimum requirements). The financial capacity of the school will be assessed, and the sufficiency of the surety bond will be confirmed. The review process for career schools tends to be collaborative – the board may reach out with questions or request clarification on certain items. If everything is in order, the application will be moved forward for board action.
• Additional Review – Generally, the SBCTE is the sole authority for career school authorization, and no separate higher education commission review is needed. However, if a program offered by the school falls under another North Dakota regulatory board, the school must comply with that board’s requirements. For instance, programs in cosmetology or barbering are outside SBCTE’s jurisdiction (they are overseen by their own state boards and those schools are exempt from SBCTE licensing). Similarly, any purely recreational or avocational courses do not require SBCTE approval. The board’s focus will be on vocational programs intended to lead directly to jobs or professional credentials (e.g. healthcare technician courses, truck driving schools, IT certificate programs, etc.). If the school plans to offer an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, accreditation comes into play: per SBCTE policy, career schools offering degrees must eventually become accredited. New degree-granting career schools can be given provisional authorization on an annual basis while they work toward accreditation (similar to the SBHE process). The SBCTE will check for a plan to achieve accreditation and may require updates on progress. Out-of-state career schools opening in ND, as noted, need to show they are approved in their home state and hold recognized accreditation—this effectively is an additional vetting step beyond SBCTE’s own review.
• Licensure Decision – The final approval to operate is granted by the North Dakota State Board for Career and Technical Education. Once the board members are satisfied (often upon recommendation from the CTE staff and any experts consulted), they will issue an Authorization to Operate a Postsecondary Career School. This authorization certificate will outline the institution’s name, campus address, and the specific programs (diplomas, certificates, or A.A.S. degrees) that are approved. The initial authorization is typically valid for one year. Like the SBHE, the SBCTE often labels first-year approvals as provisional if the school is not yet accredited or is brand new, requiring a renewal the next year. The institution will receive a formal letter or certificate of authorization. After approval, the school must post the authorization conspicuously at its North Dakota site and be prepared to show it during any inspections. If the board denies the application, the school will be notified in writing with the reasons for denial, and it may appeal the decision through an administrative hearing process. Approved schools will be listed in SBCTE records as authorized private career schools in North Dakota. There is no set “licensing season” – applications are considered as received, but the timing of board meetings could affect how soon an approval is finalized. Plan for a review cycle that could take a couple of months, factoring in possible meeting dates and any need to revise application components.

Continuous Compliance – Once licensed, career schools must continuously comply with NDCC 15-20.4 and SBCTE policies. Operational responsibilities include maintaining the student surety bond (and recalculating it annually based on the prior year’s tuition income – proof of bond renewal must accompany each year’s renewal application), adhering to the state-mandated tuition refund policy (which, for example, requires specific percentage refunds depending on how much of the course has been completed), and following all SBCTE rules on school operations. Schools must keep accurate and permanent student records (attendance, progress, and achievement records) and make them available to the board on request. Any advertising by the school must be truthful and not misleading – for instance, a school cannot claim to be “endorsed by the state” or misuse terms like “accredited” unless it truly has accreditation. The current authorization certificate and program approval schedule should be displayed at the school and be available for students to see. The school is required to have a published grievance procedure for students and to attempt resolving any complaints internally first. If a student complaint cannot be resolved, the school must direct the student to the ND CTE Department for further action. The institution should avoid deceptive recruitment practices and must not offer any guarantees of job placement that it cannot fulfill. Additionally, any substantive institutional changes need to be reported: changes in ownership, school name, or location, or discontinuation of an approved program should be communicated to SBCTE. If the school intends to add a new program or make significant curriculum changes, it must apply for an amendment to its authorization (with possible review and fee for the new program). Continual compliance is monitored through annual renewals and any investigations of complaints. The SBCTE has authority to place a school on probation, suspend, or revoke the license if the school violates state rules or fails to meet standards (for example, if a school misuses student tuition funds or its quality falls short). Therefore, maintaining high educational standards and ethical business practices is essential after initial licensing.

Renewal – Career school licenses must be renewed every year to remain active. The renewal process with SBCTE requires the school to submit a renewal application (often a shorter update form) at least 90 days before the current authorization expires. This advance submission allows time for review and board re-approval before the expiration date. The renewal application will ask for updated data: current enrollment numbers, any changes to programs or staff, an updated placement report (career schools are often asked to report on the employment outcomes of their graduates as part of renewal to demonstrate program effectiveness), and updated financial/bond information. The $500 renewal fee must accompany the renewal form each year. If the school has become accredited or achieved a significant milestone, that information should be provided, as it may change the conditions of the authorization (e.g., removing provisional status). Renewal is also the time to request approval for any new programs or program changes, if the school plans to introduce them, so they can be evaluated and added to the authorization. Provided that the school remains in compliance and submits complete renewal information, the SBCTE will typically grant a continuation of the authorization for another year. Remember that operating without renewing (even unintentionally) can lead to a lapse in authorization, so mark calendars well in advance. North Dakota expects career schools to be proactive in maintaining their licensed status.

Checklist of Required Items (Vocational Career Schools)

• Application Form: Completed SBCTE career school application (initial or renewal form as appropriate), signed by the school owner or director. All sections filled in, including school identification, ownership info, and program listings.
  
  
• ND Business Registration: A copy of the Certificate of Authority from the North Dakota Secretary of State, confirming the school is registered to do business in ND. Also include the school’s articles of incorporation or similar founding document for reference.
  
  
• School Catalog: The current catalog or student handbook that describes the school’s vocational programs. It must contain:
  
  
  
  • Program descriptions for each course or program (objectives, length in hours or weeks, subjects taught).
    
    
  • Admission requirements and any entrance exams or prerequisites.
    
    
  • Academic policies (grading system, attendance requirements, satisfactory progress standards, graduation requirements).
    
    
  • Student conduct rules and disciplinary policies.
    
    
  • Tuition, fees, and all other charges for each program.
    
    
  • The tuition refund policy as required by NDCC 15-20.4-06 (explain how refunds are calculated if a student withdraws at various points).
    
    
  • The student complaint procedure, including the contact information for the ND Department of Career and Technical Education to which unresolved complaints can be directed (address and phone number).
    
    
  • Calendar of program start dates and schedule (if applicable).
    
    
• Program Curriculum Outlines: Detailed curricula or syllabi for each program (may be part of the catalog or separate). This should include course titles, descriptions, clock or credit hours, and any hands-on training components. If any program prepares students for a specific exam or certification, note how the curriculum aligns with those requirements.
  
  
• Instructor and Staff Qualifications: A list of all instructional staff and key administrators (Director, any Assistant Director, etc.), with their educational background and work experience. Attach résumés or credential documents for each. Highlight credentials like professional licenses or years of industry experience that qualify them to teach their assigned subjects.
  
  
• Financial Statement: A current financial statement for the school or its parent company, prepared by an independent accountant (preferably audited or reviewed). This should include at least a balance sheet and income statement covering the most recent fiscal year, showing that the school has sufficient financial resources. Initial applicants should also provide a projected income statement for the first one to two years of operation in North Dakota, to demonstrate planning and sustainability.
  
  
• Surety Bond: The original or a copy of the surety bond document issued by a company authorized in ND. It should name “State Board for Career and Technical Education, State of North Dakota” as the obligee, and cover the specified amount (minimum $10,000 or higher based on expected tuition). Include any accompanying Power of Attorney from the surety. For renewals, include proof the bond remains in effect (a continuation certificate or renewed bond if the term was annual).
  
  
• Enrollment Agreement: A copy of the standard student enrollment contract or agreement used by the school. It should be the version that a student signs upon enrolling. Ensure it matches what is stated in the catalog regarding tuition, fees, and refund policy. This document is reviewed for fairness and compliance (e.g., it should not contradict state law or omit the required refund terms).
  
  
• Promotional Materials: Samples of advertising or promotional literature currently used or intended for use in ND – for example, brochures, print ads, or screenshots of the school’s website marketing pages. This helps SBCTE verify that the school’s representations in marketing are accurate and that the school isn’t advertising programs that are not approved.
  
  
• Accreditation Documentation (if applicable): If the school is accredited by an agency (or has candidacy status), include evidence such as a copy of the accreditation certificate or letter. If not accredited and offering an A.A.S. degree, include a statement of plans for seeking accreditation (e.g., identified accrediting body and timeline for application). Out-of-state institutions should include proof of approval/accreditation in their home state (like a license from the home state and accreditation certificate).
  
  
• Placement Statistics (for renewals): If renewing, provide data on student outcomes. This can be a simple report: for each program, list how many students graduated in the past year and how many of those found employment in a related field, pursued further education, or are unplaced. Include the timeframe of tracking (e.g., “within 6 months of graduation”). This is required by board policy to gauge program effectiveness.
  
  
• Fee Payment: A check or money order for the $1,000 initial application fee (or $500 renewal fee), enclosed with the application. The check should be made out to “ND Department of Career and Technical Education.” If the school is also submitting additional fees for new program reviews, include those payments accordingly or note if the board will invoice separately.
  
  

(By preparing all the above items, an applicant will meet the statutory and policy requirements for career school authorization. Always double-check the SBCTE’s official application checklist, as it may have additional minor requirements or forms – for example, an “Agent Application” if the school employs field recruiters, or a checklist to ensure inclusion of the complaint policy in the catalog.)

Fees & Timelines (Vocational Career Schools)
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State Exemptions

Under North Dakota law, certain types of educational institutions and programs are exempt from state postsecondary licensing requirements. The following categories of schools do not need to obtain SBHE or SBCTE authorization to operate:

1. K–12 Programs: Schools or institutions that offer instruction only at the elementary or secondary (pre-kindergarten through 12th grade) level. (Postsecondary authorization covers beyond high school; any purely K–12 educational program is outside its scope.)
   
   
2. Membership Organization Training: Education or training sponsored by a bona fide trade, business, professional, labor, or fraternal organization, provided it is offered solely to members of that organization (and not to the general public) or is offered on a no-fee basis. For example, an internal professional development seminar by an industry association for its members would be exempt.
   
   
3. Avocational and Recreational Courses: Instruction that is exclusively avocational (for personal enrichment) or recreational in nature. Programs that are hobbies or leisure activities—such as personal finance workshops, cooking classes, or crafts—are not subject to state postsecondary licensing, as determined by the board. The institution must offer only such non-vocational, non-credit courses to claim this exemption.
   
   
4. Short-Term Workshops or Seminars: Certain education provided through short-duration programs may be exempt. The SBHE/SBCTE have discretion to define what constitutes a short-term program for exemption, but generally one-time seminars, continuing education workshops, or brief training sessions (especially those not leading to any credential) can fall in this category. This exemption prevents over-regulation of brief educational experiences.
   
   
5. Charitable and Non-Credentialed Education: Education offered by charitable organizations or institutions, as recognized by the state boards, is exempt if the instruction is not advertised or promoted as leading toward any educational credential or degree. For instance, a nonprofit community center offering free job skill classes without issuing certificates would be exempt. The key is that no formal educational credential is granted and the provider has recognized charitable status.
   
   
6. Religiously Affiliated/Private Degree Exemption (Historical): Private four-year institutions that were chartered in North Dakota and operational before July 1, 1977, and that have maintained continuous accreditation by a national or regional agency, are exempt from SBHE authorization. (This “grandfather” exemption was designed to exclude established traditional colleges such as certain religious universities that existed prior to the state’s current regulatory law.) These institutions can operate and offer degrees based on their existing charters as long as they stay accredited.
   
   
7. Institutions Regulated by Other State Boards: Some specific types of vocational schools are governed by separate North Dakota regulatory laws and thus are exempt from SBCTE oversight. This includes schools of nursing (regulated under NDCC Chapter 43-12.1 by the Board of Nursing), schools of barbering (regulated under NDCC Chapter 43-04 by the Barber Board), and schools of cosmetology (regulated under NDCC Chapter 43-11 by the Cosmetology Board). Those institutions must seek approval from their respective professional boards instead of SBCTE.
   
   
8. Tribal Colleges: Postsecondary institutions established and operated by a federally recognized Indian tribe within North Dakota (sometimes referred to as Native American or tribal colleges) are exempt. These colleges, often chartered by tribal governments, aren’t required to obtain state authorization under ND law. (They typically operate under federal and tribal authority and many are accredited independently.)
   
   
9. Out-of-State Institutions (No Physical Presence): Postsecondary institutions that are not operating in North Dakota are exempt. In practical terms, this means an out-of-state college that only offers online courses to North Dakota residents (and has no campus, instructors, or offices in ND) does not have to be authorized by North Dakota (especially if it participates in SARA or falls under general interstate commerce allowances). However, if that institution engages in any physical presence activities beyond what is exempted (like targeted in-state advertising or recruiting as determined by law), it may trigger the need for authorization despite being out-of-state.
   
   
10. Limited In-State Presence – Internships/Clinicals: Institutions whose only presence in North Dakota consists of students participating in practicums, internships, clinical placements, or student teaching are exempt from authorization. For example, an out-of-state university placing a nursing student in a North Dakota hospital for a clinical rotation does not need to obtain ND authorization for that activity alone, as long as the university has no actual instructional site in ND. This exemption ensures practical training opportunities can occur without each external school needing a license, provided they have no campus or ongoing operations in the state.
    
    
11. Reciprocity Agreement Coverage: (Related to the above two points) If an institution is operating under an interstate reciprocity agreement that North Dakota is a party to (such as the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement for distance education), and it has no physical presence beyond those limited exempt activities, it is treated as exempt. (North Dakota is a SARA member, so SARA-participating institutions delivering purely online education to ND students need not seek separate state approval.)
    
    
12. Institutions Already Authorized Under Alternate ND Law: A private institution that falls under one of the two state regulatory chapters and has obtained authorization is implicitly exempt from the other. In other words, institutions authorized by the SBHE (under NDCC 15-18.1) are exempt from the SBCTE career school requirements, and institutions authorized by the SBCTE (under NDCC 15-20.4) are exempt from SBHE oversight. This prevents dual regulation. The determining factor is the primary nature of the institution: if it grants degrees, it goes through SBHE and is exempt from SBCTE; if it’s a vocational career school, it goes through SBCTE and is exempt from SBHE.
    
    

It’s important for any entity considering offering education in North Dakota to review these exemption categories closely. If an institution believes it qualifies for an exemption, it should document that status (e.g., via an official exemption letter from the appropriate board). North Dakota allows institutions to proactively apply for an exemption confirmation – for instance, a career school can submit an exemption request form to SBCTE if it thinks it falls under one of the exempt categories, and the board will issue a decision affirming the exemption if appropriate. Operating under an exemption does not mean the institution is unregulated in all respects (for example, a cosmetology school must still be licensed by the Cosmetology Board, and a tribal college might have federal reporting obligations), but it does mean no postsecondary authorization license from SBHE or SBCTE is required. Institutions should err on the side of contacting state authorities for guidance if unsure, since misclassifying oneself as exempt when not actually exempt could lead to legal penalties for operating without a license.

For personalized guidance on navigating the authorization process for your private post secondary institution in North Dakota, reach out to Expert Education Consultants (EEC) at +19252089037 or email sandra@experteduconsult.com

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