South Carolina: A Step By Step Guide To Obtain State Approval For a Private Post-Secondary Institution

Licensing Agency

South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) – Division of Academic Affairs, Nonpublic Postsecondary Institution Licensing. CHE is the state agency that oversees the authorization of private degree-granting colleges and proprietary (career) schools operating or recruiting in South Carolina.

Agency Contact – Degree Licensure:
Dr. Argentini Anderson, Assistant Director
Division of Academic Affairs – Postsecondary Institution Licensing
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
1122 Lady Street, Suite 400, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 737-2260 – Email: licensing@che.sc.gov

Agency Contact – Non-Degree Licensing:
Diane McCree, Senior Program Coordinator
Nonpublic Institution Licensing (Proprietary Schools) – SC Commission on Higher Education
1122 Lady Street, Suite 400, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 737-2260 – Email: licensing@che.sc.gov

Degree-Granting Institutions

Process

• Determine Licensure Need – First, contact CHE’s licensing staff to confirm if your proposed college requires licensure. If the institution meets an exemption under state law (e.g. certain religious or long-established schools), a CHE license may not be needed (see State Exemptions below). Otherwise, you must proceed with CHE’s approval process before offering courses or advertising in South Carolina.
  
  
• Accreditation Plan – State regulations mandate that new degree-granting institutions pursue accreditation. In-state colleges must plan to obtain accreditation from a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditor (e.g. SACSCOC) within a defined timeframe (usually candidacy within 4 years and full accreditation within 8 years). Out-of-state institutions must already be accredited to receive a license. Your application should include evidence of accreditation status or steps taken toward accreditation.
  
  
• Prepare Application – Compile a comprehensive licensure application as instructed by CHE. This includes a detailed institutional plan describing governance and ownership, academic programs (with curricula and course descriptions for each proposed degree), faculty qualifications (CVs and credentials), student policies (admissions criteria, grading, conduct, and refund policies), facilities and equipment, financial resources (business plan or financial statements), and proof of bond coverage. All required documents (exhibits) must be gathered (see Checklist of Required Items below).
  
  
• Submit Application – Submit the completed application packet to CHE along with the required application fee. There is no online portal; you will send materials either via email (preferred, with all exhibits attached and labeled) or by mail. CHE will not begin official review until the submission is complete. The non-refundable initial license fee (see “Fees & Timelines”) must be paid at this time (check or money order payable to CHE, or via CHE’s online payment link). Tip: Submit well in advance of any planned opening date, as initial review can take several months.
  
  
• Review & Evaluation – CHE’s Academic Affairs staff, often with help from external academic experts, will evaluate your proposal. They review academic content, faculty rosters, facilities, finances, and student protection measures to ensure they meet state standards. CHE will also conduct a site visit to verify the proposed campus facilities (classrooms, labs, library resources, safety compliance). If the reviewers find deficiencies or need more information, they will notify you for corrections or additional documentation. You must address any issues and resubmit as needed; failure to satisfy requirements can delay or derail approval.
  
  
• Additional Review (If Applicable) – Certain programs may require approval from other regulatory bodies. For example, if your college will offer nursing degrees that lead to RN licensure, the S.C. Board of Nursing must approve those programs. CHE coordinates with such agencies but it remains the institution’s responsibility to obtain any specialized program accreditations or state board approvals in parallel with CHE licensure.
  
  
• Licensure Decision – After the review is complete, CHE staff prepare a recommendation for the Commission. Initial licensure of a degree-granting institution must be approved by the Commission on Higher Education’s board (usually first by its Committee on Academic Affairs & Licensing, then by the full Commission in a public meeting). The timing depends on the Commission’s meeting schedule (expect about 1–3 months after staff review for a final vote). Upon approval, the institution is granted a Certificate of Licensure to operate, specifying the approved degree programs and site. Initial licenses are typically issued for one year (or up to five years at CHE’s discretion). If any conditions apply (e.g. periodic progress reports or limits on enrollment until accreditation is achieved), they will be stated in the approval. Once licensed, the school may begin enrolling students.
  
  
• Continuous Compliance – A licensed institution must remain in compliance with all CHE regulations and the commitments made in its application. The school must maintain the required surety bond, display the license at its campus, and adhere to state standards on advertising, student disclosures, record-keeping, and refund practices. Any substantive change requires prior CHE approval. This includes adding new degree programs, opening additional locations in South Carolina, or making significant program revisions. (To add programs or sites, you must file a license amendment application and undergo CHE review again.) Licenses are non-transferable, so a change in ownership or control of the institution also requires a new approval. CHE may conduct audits or site visits during operations to monitor compliance, and schools must cooperate with any investigation of student complaints. Violations can lead to probation or revocation of the license, so ongoing adherence is essential.
  
  
• Renewal – Licensure is not a one-time event; it must be renewed periodically. New degree-granting institutions are generally renewed annually. Once an institution establishes a good track record (and achieves accreditation), CHE may grant longer renewal terms up to a maximum of five years. To renew, the institution must submit a renewal application with updated information on programs, faculty, enrollment, financial status, and an updated bond well before the license expires. CHE requires degree-granting institutions to file for renewal at least 120 days prior to the license expiration date. The renewal submission must include the calculated renewal fee and any required supporting documents (such as current catalog, financial statements, and proof of accreditation status). If a school misses the deadline or fails to renew on time, there is no grace period – it must cease operating when the license lapses. Timely renewal ensures the institution can continue to operate without interruption. After review, CHE will issue a renewed license certificate effective for the next term.
  
  

Application – Submission Process: Request the official application forms by contacting CHE’s licensing division (by phone or email). Complete the Initial License Application form and assemble all required exhibits. Submit the full package to CHE via email (preferred) or mail. Electronic submission should consolidate documents in one set with clearly labeled attachments (e.g. “Exhibit 1 – Business Plan”). For paper submissions, organize the binder with tabbed sections for each exhibit. Note: Applications will not be reviewed until the fee is paid and all exhibits are received. CHE staff are available for questions during preparation, but they will not pre-review drafts. Once you submit, CHE will confirm receipt and proceed with the evaluation.

Fees Payment – Required Fees: South Carolina’s licensing fees are based on institutional size (tuition revenue). For a degree-granting institution, the initial application fee is 0.5% of projected first-year gross tuition revenue, with a minimum fee of around $150 and a maximum of $5,500 per location. This fee is non-refundable and must accompany the application. The annual renewal fee is likewise 0.5% of the previous year’s gross tuition, with a minimum of about $115 (and a capped maximum, roughly $3,750). All fees are payable to “South Carolina Commission on Higher Education” (by check, money order, or via CHE’s online payment system). In addition to these fees, before a license is issued the institution must post a surety bond for student tuition protection. The bond amount is typically 10% of projected annual tuition revenue (minimum $5,000 for an in-state institution’s first year; for an out-of-state institution, at least $20,000 bond is required). The bond is not a fee paid to CHE, but a separate guarantee (through an insurance/bond company) that funds will be available for student refunds if the school closes. Other potential fees include: an amendment fee if you later add programs or sites (0.5% of the new program’s projected tuition, $50 minimum, $2,500 max), a small fee (about $60-$75) for moving an existing site, and an agent permit fee of $30 per year for each recruiter operating in SC (if applicable). A summary of key fees and expected processing timelines is provided in the table below.

Review & Evaluation – CHE Process: The application review involves CHE’s internal analysis and possibly external input. CHE staff will check each aspect against the Licensing Standards (academic quality, faculty credentials, facility adequacy, financial stability, etc.). For degree institutions, CHE may convene a committee of examiners (including qualified educators or Commissioners) to provide an in-depth assessment. A mandatory on-site inspection visit will be conducted to verify that facilities and resources match the application and meet safety and accessibility codes. Throughout the review, CHE may ask for clarification or additional materials – respond promptly to keep the process moving. Once staff (and any external reviewers) are satisfied, they will finalize a report and move the application forward for Commission approval.

Additional Review – Other Agencies: Certain professional programs require sign-off from specialized boards. CHE licensure does not override these requirements. For example, teacher preparation programs might need approval from the State Department of Education, and any program leading to a state licensing exam (nursing, cosmetology, etc.) must meet that board’s criteria. Ensure you identify any such requirements early. CHE will often ask whether these approvals have been sought as part of its review. If another agency’s approval is needed, you may have to present evidence of that approval (or at least application for it) to CHE. Coordination with other agencies can affect your timeline, so plan accordingly.

Licensure Decision – Approval & Term: Final approval for a new degree-granting institution comes via a vote of the Commission on Higher Education. If approved, CHE will issue a License to Operate (essentially a certificate or letter of approval). The license will list the institution’s name, location, and the specific degrees and programs you are authorized to offer. Typically, initial licenses for degree institutions are granted for 12 months (especially for unaccredited start-ups). The license can be renewed annually while the institution works toward full accreditation. CHE can renew licenses for longer periods (up to five years) once the institution demonstrates stability and compliance (often after achieving accreditation). Pay close attention to any conditions in the approval; for instance, CHE might require quarterly progress reports or limit enrollments until certain benchmarks are met. After approval, your institution is legally cleared to operate in SC within the scope of the license. (If the Commission denies approval, they will provide reasons and you may revise the proposal or appeal per state procedures.)

Continuous Compliance – Post-Approval Responsibilities: Operating under a CHE license is an ongoing commitment. Schools must display the license at their main office and mention CHE authorization in catalogs. Student consumer protection rules must be followed: use only approved enrollment agreements, adhere to the state-required refund policy, and handle student complaints promptly. The institution must also maintain its surety bond coverage each year (the bond amount will adjust based on actual tuition income – you will recalculate and update the bond at renewal). Any planned changes to the institution must be reported to CHE in advance. For example, if you intend to change the institution’s name or relocate the campus, CHE will reissue your license with the updated information (a small fee applies). If ownership changes, the new owners must apply for a new license. CHE may periodically request reports on enrollment and finances, and will monitor progress toward accreditation. Non-compliance (such as advertising unapproved programs or failing to submit renewal materials) can result in penalties or loss of license. In summary, treat CHE as an ongoing partner in oversight – keep them informed and seek approval before making changes.

Renewal – Keeping the License Current: The license must be renewed before it expires to continue operations. For degree institutions, renewal often occurs annually at first. CHE will send renewal instructions, but it’s the institution’s duty to meet deadlines regardless. Submit the renewal application (with updated data and renewal fee) about 4 months early as required. The renewal application will resemble a simplified version of the initial application – updating any changes in programs, staff, or policies, and providing current financials and proof of accreditation progress/status. CHE will review the renewal to ensure all standards are still met. Renewal approvals are usually handled by CHE staff (and ratified by the Commission if necessary). If you miss the renewal deadline, CHE can impose late fees (10% of fee per 5 days late) and, importantly, if the license expires, the school must stop enrolling or teaching new students until a new license is approved. (Operating without a license is a violation of law.) Therefore, mark your calendar for the renewal due date every year. Once renewed, you will receive an updated license good for the next term. Over time, if the institution is in good standing, CHE may extend the length of renewals – but an annual update is still required in terms of providing information and fees.

Checklist of Required Items – Degree-Granting License Application:

When applying for initial licensure of a degree-granting institution, prepare the following key items (at minimum):

• CHE Application Form & Fee: Complete the official CHE initial licensure application and include the required fee payment (check or proof of online payment).
  
  
• Institutional Overview: A cover letter and narrative describing the institution’s mission, governance, and ownership. Include documentation of incorporation or authorization to operate in SC (e.g. articles of incorporation or a certificate of authority for an out-of-state entity) and an organizational chart of key administrators.
  
  
• Program Plans: Detailed descriptions of each degree program to be offered. For each program, provide the curriculum (course list with descriptions, credit hours, program length), objectives, and the credential awarded (associate, bachelor’s, etc.). If the program includes internships or clinical training, include agreements or plans for those sites.
  
  
• Faculty Qualifications: A list of instructors or prospective faculty for each program, with résumés or CVs showing their academic degrees, teaching experience, and relevant professional experience. (Faculty should meet minimum qualifications for teaching at the degree level proposed – usually a graduate degree in the field for college-level courses.)
  
  
• Student Policies & Catalog: A draft catalog or student handbook. This must contain all required policies: admissions requirements, academic rules (grading, satisfactory progress), conduct code, attendance policy, tuition and fees, tuition refund policy (aligning with SC’s pro-rata refund rules), student complaint procedure, and any placement or internship services. Also include a sample enrollment agreement/contract that students will sign.
  
  
• Facilities & Library Resources: Information about the campus or learning center. Include the address and a description of the physical facilities (number of classrooms, labs, library or resource center, equipment available, etc.). Provide evidence of facility readiness such as a certificate of occupancy or fire inspection for the building. Describe learning resource provisions (on-site library holdings, online library databases, or partnerships for library access) sufficient for the programs.
  
  
• Financial Documentation: Evidence of financial stability. New institutions should submit a business plan with first-year budget projections (expected revenue, expenses, and enrollment numbers) and demonstrate access to sufficient startup capital or reserves. Existing institutions should provide recent financial statements (preferably audited). All institutions must show they have enough funds to operate and refund unearned tuition if needed. Also include documentation of the required surety bond (a copy of the bond form or a letter from the bonding company indicating the bond amount and CHE as beneficiary).
  
  
• Accreditation/Authorization Evidence: For in-state institutions, include a statement of intent to pursue accreditation and any correspondence or application submitted to an accrediting agency. For out-of-state institutions, provide proof of current accreditation (e.g. an accreditation certificate or letter) and a copy of the license or authorization from your home state authority.
  
  
• Supporting Materials: Any additional documents requested by CHE’s application instructions, such as copies of advertising or marketing materials (if available), faculty handbook, evaluation plans for student learning outcomes, and blank forms (transcript template, diploma sample). Ensure all exhibits are clearly labeled as per CHE’s checklist.
  
  

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

Non-degree institutions include trade schools, technical and vocational training providers, and career schools that offer certificates or diplomas (but no academic degrees). These schools must also be licensed by CHE to operate in South Carolina, with a process similar to degree institutions but adapted for their typically shorter programs and occupational focus.

Process

• Confirm Jurisdiction – As with degree schools, start by determining if your training program requires CHE licensure. Many occupational schools do: if you offer post-secondary instruction for a fee (beyond high-school level), you likely fall under CHE. However, some programs are exempt because they are regulated by other agencies (for example, cosmetology and barber schools, truck driving programs, and certain healthcare certificate programs have separate licensing boards – see State Exemptions). Discuss your plan with CHE’s licensing staff; they will confirm whether a CHE license is needed or direct you to the appropriate agency if not. Do not advertise or enroll students until you have clarified this.
  
  
• Prepare Application – If licensure is required, request the Initial License Application (Non-Degree) from CHE and prepare all required exhibits. You will need to provide details on each course or program: the curriculum outline (subjects/modules and hours), program length (weeks or months, total clock hours), entry requirements (usually students must have a high school diploma or equivalent for post-secondary vocational training), and the credential awarded (certificate or diploma). Include instructor information (résumés showing their training and at least 2 years of experience in the field they will teach, as required by regulation), a description of your facility and equipment, and copies of student-facing documents (school catalog, enrollment agreement) with policies. Financial info (budget and resources) and a surety bond calculation are also required. Essentially, compile everything that demonstrates your school can deliver quality training and protect students’ interests (see Checklist below).
  
  
• Submit Application – Send the completed non-degree application to CHE with the appropriate fee. You may submit electronically via email or on paper by mail. The same completeness rule applies: CHE will only review after receiving all required items and the fee. The application fee is calculated based on expected first-year tuition (0.5% of projected revenue, with a minimum fee of about $150). Ensure you have also arranged the surety bond (10% of projected tuition, $5,000 minimum) as proof will be needed. It’s advisable to keep a copy of your full submission and send it well ahead of your intended start date, as review times can vary.
  
  
• Staff Review & Site Visit – CHE’s licensing staff will evaluate your submission for compliance with Regulation 62- series standards for non-degree institutions. They verify that instructor qualifications, curricula, facilities, and refund policies meet the state’s minimum requirements. If anything is missing or insufficient, CHE will give you feedback and an opportunity to correct it. (For example, if an instructor doesn’t meet the qualifications, you’ll need to hire someone who does, or if your refund policy isn’t compliant, you must revise it.) Once the paperwork is in good order, CHE will schedule a site visit to inspect your school’s location. A CHE representative will visit your classrooms/labs to ensure they match your description and are safe and adequate (proper equipment, fire exits, etc.), and review record-keeping systems on-site. If the site visit reveals any issues, you’ll be asked to address them. You have up to 90 days to fix deficiencies and resubmit materials; if you don’t, the application could be closed and you would have to reapply.
  
  
• Licensure Decision – For vocational schools, the final approval is typically made by CHE’s staff (the Executive Director or designated Licensing Manager) rather than the full Commission, since non-degree licenses do not require a Commission vote. Once all requirements are met, CHE will issue your license certificate to operate. This certificate will list the school name, address, and the approved program titles. Initial licenses are usually granted for 12 months. You can then legally advertise and enroll students into the licensed programs. If CHE finds serious shortcomings that cannot be resolved, they may deny the license – but this is uncommon if you work with the staff to meet all standards. Upon licensure, your school will be added to CHE’s directory of licensed institutions.
  
  
• Continuous Compliance – After licensing, maintain the same standards in daily operations. Teach only the programs that were approved (you cannot introduce a new course or program without going back to CHE for an amendment to your license). Keep your surety bond active – if your bond provider cancels the bond, your license is automatically suspended by law until a new bond is in place. Display the license at your school and include CHE’s name and address in your student catalog (as required for student complaint information). Follow your published policies, especially regarding refunds: if a student withdraws, you must issue refunds in accordance with the state-approved policy. Also ensure that all advertising is truthful and not misleading (for instance, do not guarantee jobs unless that’s objectively true, and include that your school is “licensed by the SC Commission on Higher Education” in your brochures or website). If you plan to make changes – relocating the school, changing the school’s name, or substantially revising a program – inform CHE in advance and obtain approval as needed. CHE may perform periodic monitoring or unannounced visits, and it will investigate any formal complaints from students. Staying in good standing will make your renewals smooth and protect your ability to operate.
  
  
• Renewal – Non-degree school licenses are renewed annually in most cases. The process is similar each year: you will submit a renewal application form (provided by CHE) and update all relevant information (student enrollment numbers, any changes in faculty or programs, current financial statement showing the school’s fiscal health, etc.). You must also update your bond amount if your tuition revenue grew – the renewal application will calculate the new bond requirement based on last year’s gross tuition (using a sliding scale, with $10,000 bond covering up to $100,000 in tuition, etc.). CHE requires that you submit the renewal at least 45 days before your license expires. Pay the annual renewal fee (0.5% of prior year tuition, minimum $115). If submitted late, a penalty will be added; if the license actually expires, you have to halt operations until a renewal is approved. Assuming your school has had no major issues and the renewal packet is complete, CHE will renew the license for another year. It’s crucial to keep track of the expiration date and respond promptly to CHE’s renewal notices. Timely renewal ensures your school can continue enrolling new students without any compliance gaps.
  
  

Application – Submission Process: The non-degree application is obtained from CHE’s licensing office (same contact as for degree schools). Fill out the application and attach all required exhibits as listed. Electronic submission by email is encouraged to speed up communication. Label your documents according to the exhibit list (for example, “Exhibit A – Program Outlines,” “Exhibit B – Instructor CVs,” etc.). Double-check that your catalog and enrollment agreement contain all mandated elements – the licensing staff will scrutinize those carefully. When ready, email the package (or send a hard copy) and pay the fee. CHE will acknowledge receipt and may schedule a call with you if clarification is needed. Throughout the process, maintain open communication and be prepared to provide additional info quickly. There is no formal online portal, but CHE’s staff are responsive via email/phone, which effectively serves as your portal for questions and updates.

Fees Payment – Required Fees: Fees for career schools follow the same formula as for degree institutions, scaled to the school’s size. The initial license fee is 0.5% of your estimated first-year tuition revenue. For many small trade schools this will be at the minimum ($150). Larger vocational schools have a cap of $5,500 per site for initial fees. The annual renewal fee is 0.5% of actual tuition from the previous year (with a minimum of about $115). These fees fund CHE’s oversight and must be paid by the due dates. Surety bond requirements also apply: prior to licensing, you must file a bond equal to 10% of projected tuition (minimum $5,000). (After the first year, the bond amount for renewal is based on a tiered schedule according to your last year’s revenue – CHE will guide you on any increase needed.) Other fees: If you amend your license to add a new program, an additional fee will apply (0.5% of that program’s projected income, or $75 minimum). Moving to a new location costs about $60–$75 in amendment fee. Agent permits (if you hire independent recruiters to enlist students) are $30 each per year. All payments are made to CHE by check, money order, or via the secure online payment site. Importantly, late fees will accrue if you fail to submit required annual reports or renewals on time (minimum $50 per 5 days late). To avoid extra costs, stay ahead of deadlines. Below is a summary of key fees and timeframes for vocational school approval:

Review & Evaluation – CHE Process: The evaluation for non-degree schools is handled internally by CHE without a formal committee, but it is thorough. Staff will check that course offerings and instructional hours make sense for the occupation (e.g. a truck driving program should have enough driving practice hours, a medical assistant program should cover required clinical skills, etc.). They verify instructors meet the state’s minimums (for instance, instructors of certificate programs generally need at least a high school diploma/GED plus appropriate training and experience in the field). They also ensure your refund policy meets the pro-rata requirements and that your advertising isn’t deceptive. During the site visit, expect the evaluator to ask questions and perhaps give guidance. The process is somewhat iterative: CHE might ask you to adjust certain policies or provide additional clarification. Treat these interactions as a part of the approval process – CHE’s goal is to help you meet the standards so that students will be protected. Once everything checks out, CHE management will approve the license. Overall, vocational school licensing often moves faster than degree licensing (since it doesn’t wait on a Commission meeting), but the exact timeline depends on how quickly you respond to any issues and schedule the site inspection.

Additional Review – Other Oversight: Many vocational programs correlate with professions overseen by state licensing boards or national certifications. CHE licensure is in addition to any such requirements. For example, if you start a Massage Therapy school, CHE will license the school, but your curriculum also must meet the SC Board of Massage/Bodywork guidelines for graduates to be eligible for state licensure – you should seek that Board’s input on your program. Similarly, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses are regulated by the Department of Health; if you plan to offer EMT training, coordinate with that agency. The CHE exemption list (exemption #8) covers programs fully regulated elsewhere – those don’t need CHE licenses. But if your school offers a mix (say, a cosmetology program and a business administration certificate), the cosmetology portion is exempt (handled by LLR), while the business program would require CHE licensure. Always clarify with CHE which parts of your offering fall under their license. CHE’s concern is that you’re not operating any unapproved program. If another agency must approve your program for graduates to be licensed (as in nursing assistant training), CHE will likely request proof of that approval as a condition of your license. Stay diligent in meeting both CHE’s and any other agency’s rules to ensure your graduates can use their education as intended.

Licensure Decision – Approval & Term: The final step, once CHE staff are satisfied, is the issuance of your license. You will receive an official License to Operate for your school, signed by the CHE licensing manager. Review it to make sure all programs you intend to offer are listed correctly. The license for a new career school is typically valid for one year from the date of issue (unless otherwise noted). Keep in mind: even after you’re licensed, CHE effectively continues to evaluate during that first year via your compliance and any student feedback. If all goes well, renewal should be straightforward. If there were any conditions (CHE sometimes issues initial licenses with the requirement to submit a follow-up report or to not exceed a certain number of students until more instructors are hired, for example), be sure to meet those conditions. In the unlikely event that approval is denied, CHE will specify why – common reasons would be failure to demonstrate financial resources or trying to operate a program that conflicts with state law. You could address those issues and reapply. For the vast majority of applicants who work with CHE through the process, the outcome is a license to operate and begin offering your courses legally in South Carolina.

Continuous Compliance – Operational Responsibilities: Once your vocational school is running, maintain compliance daily. Continue to employ qualified instructors for each course (if an instructor leaves, hire replacements who meet the qualifications and inform CHE of the staff change in your next report). Keep student records organized – you must maintain transcripts, attendance, and financial records for all students, and have a plan to safeguard these records (even if the school closes, records must be kept accessible via CHE or a repository). Update CHE whenever you make minor changes like tuition increases or curriculum updates (many of these can simply be noted in your next renewal application). Never offer new programs without prior CHE approval – it can be tempting to add a new course track to meet market demand, but doing so without an amendment violates your license. Ensure your bond is adjusted as you grow: if your enrollment and tuition income increase, the bond needs to increase accordingly at renewal. Also, promptly address any student complaints: CHE’s complaint procedure expects the student to try resolving with the school first, so be responsive and fair in handling grievances. Demonstrating good customer service and fair practice will keep CHE from needing to intervene. Finally, plan ahead for renewals (set reminders for yourself well before the 45-day deadline). By consistently following the rules and communicating with CHE, your school can operate indefinitely under the license, serving students and building a good reputation with the state.

Renewal – Annual Re-licensing: Each year, renew your license to avoid any lapse. CHE will usually email a renewal notice or form. Update your school catalog each year and include it in the renewal packet if any policies or prices changed. Calculate your past year’s gross tuition and use that to compute the renewal fee and bond requirement. If your school had zero or very low enrollments, CHE may still require a minimum fee and bond, but you should discuss any unusual situation (like a temporary closure) with the staff. Submit the renewal form, fee, and any supporting documents by the due date. CHE processes renewals relatively quickly for compliant schools. If something is missing, they will tell you. Remember that after a few successful years, renewal might remain annual but become more routine. However, CHE can also decide to not renew or to put the school on probation if serious issues came up (e.g. unresolved complaints or financial instability). So treat renewal as an annual report card. Once you receive the renewed license, replace the old one on your wall with the current certificate. The cycle then continues for the next year. In summary: be proactive and timely in renewing – it’s simpler to maintain approval than to regain it after a lapse.

Checklist of Required Items – Non-Degree License Application:

For a new vocational/proprietary school license application, be prepared to provide:

• Completed Application & Fee: The CHE non-degree license application form, fully filled out, and the application fee (0.5% of first-year tuition, $150 minimum).
  
  
• School Description: An overview of the proposed school including its official name, address, ownership (individual owner or business entity info), and the specific training programs to be offered. Include any evidence of business registration in SC (like a copy of your LLC/articles of incorporation) and owner’s background if relevant to education.
  
  
• Program Details: Syllabi or outlines for each course/program. Specify the total instructional hours, schedule (day/evening classes, weeks of instruction), and curriculum content. State the educational objectives and what occupation or certification the training prepares students for. (If external certification exams are involved, note how the program aligns with those requirements.)
  
  
• Instructor Information: A list of instructors with their qualifications. Provide a résumé for each instructor or candidate instructor, showing at least the minimum required credentials (education level, professional certifications if applicable, and work experience in the field). If certain instructors will teach specific subjects, make sure their experience matches those subjects.
  
  
• Student Enrollment Documents: Copies of the student enrollment agreement/contract and the school catalog or student handbook. These must include the school’s rules and policies: admission requirements, grading/attendance standards, code of conduct, all fees and tuition costs, refund policy (which must meet state guidelines for pro-rata refunds), and the procedure for student complaints (including CHE’s contact info). The enrollment agreement should clearly state the program name, length, costs, and refund terms and be consistent with the catalog.
  
  
• Facility & Equipment Plan: A description of the physical facilities where training will occur. Note the number and size of classrooms, labs, workshop areas, and any specialized equipment or tools available for student use. Include photos or a floor plan if available. Provide documentation that the facility is suitable and safe: e.g., a copy of the lease or deed, a local zoning approval if required, and a fire marshal or safety inspection report (or a scheduled inspection date).
  
  
• Financial Capacity: Basic financial projections or statements demonstrating the school’s ability to operate. New schools should provide a start-up budget detailing expected expenses (rent, utilities, instructor salaries, equipment purchase, etc.) and how those will be covered until tuition revenue is received. If the owner is investing personal funds, indicate that amount. If loans or external funding will be used, note those sources. CHE needs assurance that the school can fulfill its obligations to students (including refunding prepaid tuition if necessary). Attach any current financial statement for the business or personal financial statement of the owner if available to show available capital.
  
  
• Surety Bond Confirmation: Evidence of having secured the required surety bond. This can be a copy of the bond certificate or a letter from the bonding company stating the bond amount and effective date. The bond must list CHE as the obligee. (If you opt for an alternate form of security like a cash deposit with the state, provide documentation of that arrangement with the State Treasurer’s office.)
  
  
• Miscellaneous Exhibits: Any additional information that supports your application. For example, if a program has an advisory board or industry partners, include their letters of support. If your school has job placement services or other student services, you might include descriptions of those. Also, include any required affidavits (such as a notarized statement that the school will abide by CHE regulations and not advertise before licensure, etc., if provided in the application packet).

Fees & Timelines – Vocational Institutions
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State Exemptions

South Carolina law exempts certain schools or programs from CHE licensure. If an institution falls under any of these categories, it does not need to obtain a CHE license to operate:

1. Pre-1953 Chartered Institutions – Any degree-granting college or university chartered in South Carolina before 1953.
   
   
2. Nonprofit SC Colleges (Liberal Arts) – Independent or church-related, two- or four-year degree-granting institutions based in SC that focus on liberal arts, are nonprofit, and are accredited by SACSCOC. (This essentially covers established SC private colleges that meet all these criteria.)
   
   
3. K-12 Schools – Schools offering instruction only at the K–12 level (elementary and secondary education).
   
   
4. Religious/Theological Schools – Institutions whose sole purpose is religious or theological training, awarding only religious degrees or diplomas (not secular degrees).
   
   
5. Avocational Courses – Organizations offering non-credit, purely avocational courses for personal enrichment (hobbies, recreational learning) with no job-training objective.
   
   
6. State-Supported Institutions – Schools directly supported in whole or part by the State of South Carolina (public colleges, universities, and technical colleges).
   
   
7. Recreational Flight Training – Aviation instruction programs that advertise training for personal/recreational flying only (not for aviation careers or employment).
   
   
8. Programs Regulated by Other Agencies – Educational programs that are already licensed or approved under other state laws. (For example: cosmetology and barber schools under LLR’s Board of Cosmetology, truck driver training regulated by DMV, real estate courses approved by the Real Estate Commission, etc.) Such programs do not require CHE licensing.
   
   
9. Employer-Sponsored Training – Non-credit training programs exclusively for a company’s own employees, provided at no cost to the employees. (The employer either conducts the training with in-house staff or hires a trainer, and employees attend on work time.)
   
   
10. Professional Organization Instruction – Non-credit courses offered solely for members of a professional or trade organization, which are not marketed to the general public and not career-oriented for outside employment.
    
    
11. Test Preparation Courses – Intensive review programs for exams (e.g. CPA exam prep, SAT/ACT or LSAT prep, bar exam review, etc.) that do not confer any academic credential.
    
    
12. Out-of-State Partnerships – Out-of-state institutions formally partnering with public South Carolina institutions to offer distance education in SC, where the South Carolina public institution awards the degree.
    
    
13. Military Base Programs – Educational programs conducted on federal military installations in South Carolina (these operate under federal authority).
    
    
14. Occasional Out-of-State Recruiting – Accredited out-of-state colleges that engage in only occasional and incidental recruiting in South Carolina (such as infrequent advertisement or college fair visits) and do not establish a physical presence or ongoing recruiting office in the state.

If you believe your institution is exempt, you may request written confirmation of exemption from CHE for peace of mind. Institutions operating under an exemption must strictly limit their activities to the exempt purposes described. Any expansion beyond an exemption (for example, a religious college offering secular degrees, or a hobby school starting a job-training program) would trigger the need for CHE licensure. Always consult the CHE statute (SC Code §59-58-30) or contact CHE if unsure about your status. The exemption categories ensure that CHE focuses on licensing true postsecondary educational institutions while not duplicating oversight where another authority exists or where the nature of instruction is outside the scope of vocational or academic credentialing.

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