Accreditation Consultant for Founders

Your Accreditation Consultant From License to Launch

Expert Education Consultants is the only accreditation consultant that handles every step β€” from state authorization to full accreditation β€” under one roof.
98%
Application
Success Rate
115+
Institutions
Launched
4–8mo
Avg. Time
to License
50
U.S. States
Covered
Dr. Sandra Norderhaug, founder of Expert Education Consultants, speaking at a university launch event
Your Path to Launch

The Three Hurdles Every College or University Founder Must Navigate

Opening a college or university in the U.S. requires clearing three critical milestones. Most firms handle only one. Expert Education Consultants guides you through all three β€” and beyond.
1

πŸ“‹ Business Formation

Choose the right entity structure (LLC, nonprofit, corporation), build a regulatory-ready business plan, and establish the financial and governance framework required by state agencies.
2

πŸ›οΈ State Authorization

Every state has different rules for authorizing postsecondary institutions. Our lead consultants are experts in each state's licensing process β€” from curriculum development to compliance documentation.
3

πŸŽ“ Accreditation

After state licensing, accreditation is required within 3–5 years. As your accreditation consultant, we help you select the right agency, prepare your self-study, and ace the site visit.
Compare Your Options

Expert Education Consultants vs. Other Accreditation Consultants

Most founders consider three paths when opening a college or university. Here's how they actually compare on scope, timeline, and outcomes.
Do It Yourself Hire a Law Firm Expert Education Consultants
Business Entity Formation β–² Research needed βœ“ βœ“
State Authorization Application βœ• High denial risk β–² Legal only βœ“ 98% approval
Curriculum Development βœ• βœ• βœ“
Faculty & Staff Recruitment β–² Your network only βœ• βœ“
LMS & SIS Technology Setup βœ• βœ• βœ“
Accreditation Self-Study & Site Visit βœ• βœ• βœ“
Marketing & Student Enrollment βœ• βœ• βœ“
Ongoing Compliance Support βœ• β–² Hourly billing βœ“
Typical Timeline 12–24+ months 8–18 months 4–8 months
What Sets Us Apart

Why Founders Choose Expert Education Consultants

Other firms offer pieces of the puzzle. As your full-service accreditation consultant, we deliver the entire picture β€” from founding day to first graduating class.
πŸ”„

Full-Service, One Contract

Business formation, state authorization for colleges, curriculum development, faculty recruitment, LMS setup, marketing, and accreditation β€” one team, one contract, no gaps between vendors.
🀝

Hands-On Partnership

We don't hand you templates. Our accreditation consultants work alongside your team β€” writing applications, attending meetings, solving problems in real time.
πŸ‘₯

Dedicated Expert Teams

Every project gets a lead consultant who knows your state's regulations, backed by 35+ specialists across academics, compliance, technology, and marketing.
🏠

Long-Term Ownership

Launching is just the beginning. We stay with you to set policies, develop handbooks, hire leadership, and build the operational infrastructure your institution needs to thrive.
Proven Results

Real Institutions We Helped Build

From international university expansions to nursing schools built from scratch β€” these are real outcomes from real Expert Education Consultants clients.
Modern Institute of Brain Education with green wall, solar panels, garden, pond, and students using VR inside.
πŸ† Arizona

Institute of Brain Education

5-year partnership spanning degree expansion, LMS/SIS development, instructional design, and faculty training.
βœ… Full DEAC accreditation β€” zero critical findings
Group of smiling people waving, most in blue Jala University shirts, in front of a stage screen.
🌍 International

Jala University

From Latin America to a fully operational U.S. university β€” state authorization, ASIC accreditation, team recruitment, and infrastructure build.
βœ… Successful DEAC site visit β€” full accreditation expected
Orlando School of Nursing building with logo and an image of a nurse hugging an elderly woman.
πŸ₯ Florida

Orlando School of Nursing

Two physicians with zero academic background came to us. We built everything β€” curriculum, staff, CIE license, Board of Nursing approval.
βœ… Licensed nursing school built entirely from scratch

Ready to Open Your College or University?

Book a free strategy call to get a clear roadmap, realistic timeline, and transparent cost breakdown from a senior accreditation consultant β€” or download our free toolkit to start planning on your own.
Woman in gray blazer holding a microphone speaking and gesturing during a presentation.
βœ“ Has Been in Your Chair
Led By Experience

Dr. Sandra Norderhaug

PhD, MD, MBA β€” Founder & CEO, Expert Education Consultants
With over 30 years in higher education, Dr. Norderhaug has personally navigated the complexities of starting and running postsecondary institutions. She didn't just study the process β€” she lived it.
Her team has launched 115+ institutions across all 50 U.S. states, guiding founders from initial concept through state licensing, accreditation, and operational launch. When you work with Expert Education Consultants, you're working with an accreditation consultant team that has already solved the problems you're about to face.
Meet Our Full Leadership Team β†’

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"We've been working in education for the past two decades in Latin America, but were completely new to the Educational System in the US. Expert Education Consultants were more than just a consultant agency, they quickly became our most valuable partners in this journey. They helped us and guided us not only to get the authorizations we needed, but building our management team with excellent professionals that are now an indispensable part of our organization."

Man with short dark hair and glasses smiling, seated in front of beige vertical blinds, wearing a blue checkered shirt.

Juan Salinas

Chief Executive Officer, Jala University

πŸš€ University launched in 4 months

Blue stylized U shape followed by the text 'University' in blue and black letters.

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"Dr. Sandra Norderhaug led a highly complex university launch with professionalism, clarity, and exceptional execution. From the initial feasibility assessment through curriculum design, faculty recruitment, and the CIE provisional license application, her team guided every step with precision. What impressed me most was the speed and quality of their work β€” we went from concept to a fully licensed institution in just eight months. Her ability to turn ideas into impactful realities, navigate regulatory requirements, and build a learner-first institution from the ground up is truly outstanding. I recommend EEC without hesitation to any founder serious about building a university in the United States."

Man with beard and glasses wearing a navy suit, white shirt, and red tie against a light background.

Professor Balvir Tomar

Founder & President, Florida Tech University

πŸš€ University launched in 8 months

Florida Tech University logo with large maroon letters FTU and the full name in smaller letters.

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"Expert Education Consultants was the partner we relied on from day one at Florida Coastal University. From entity formation and curriculum development to faculty hiring and facility setup, they helped us obtain our CIE provisional license in only 11 months. They deliver, they communicate clearly, and they stand behind their work."

Smiling man with glasses wearing a light gray suit jacket and navy shirt, standing in front of a marina with boats and hills in the background.

Raghwa Gopal

Past President, Florida Coastal University

πŸš€ CIE provisional license in 11 months

Logo of Florida Coastal University featuring a green lighthouse with waves and the text 'Florida Coastal University' and the slogan 'Empowering Minds | Inspiring Change'.

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"Dr. Sandra Norderhaug and her team exceeded all expectations during our application process. They ensured everything was completed on time with outstanding professionalism. If you haven't hired them for your higher-education needs, you should do it now."

Man in a black suit and dotted tie speaking into a microphone at a desk with a nameplate and tissue box.

Dr. Ehab El Shamy

Vice Chancellor, AITU University

πŸš€ University launched in 6 months

AITU logo featuring the acronym AITU in red blocks above a geometric design.

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"Regent Global has been a distinguished institution within the UK higher education sector for more than two decades. In pursuing our vision to establish a new university in the United States, we had the privilege of collaborating with Dr. Sandra Norderhaug of Expert Education Consultants. Her exemplary guidance and expertise were instrumental in the successful establishment of our new university in Jacksonville, Florida.
We extend our highest recommendation to Dr. Norderhaug and her team, whose service is marked by exceptional professionalism, deep sector knowledge, and unwavering commitment to excellence."

Man in a black suit and dotted tie speaking into a microphone at a desk with a nameplate and tissue box.

Prof Dr Selva Pankaj

Founder and President – Regent American University

πŸš€ University launch in 8 months

AITU logo featuring the acronym AITU in red blocks above a geometric design.

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"When the Institute of Brain Education expanded from a vocational school into a degree-granting institution, we partnered with Expert Education Consultants from day one. Their team guided us through every step of accreditation, from planning and policy development to preparing for the on-site review, and supported our LMS, SIS, and instructional design needs along the way. They felt like true members of our team, and thanks to their honesty, dedication, and effectiveness, we earned accreditation on our planned timeline with no critical findings."

Man in a black suit and dotted tie speaking into a microphone at a desk with a nameplate and tissue box.

Hope Ihm

Chief Academic Officer, Institute of Brain Education

πŸŽ“ Accredited on schedule β€” zero critical findings

AITU logo featuring the acronym AITU in red blocks above a geometric design.
Read all client stories β†’
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an accreditation consultant do?
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How long does it take to open a college?
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How much does it cost to open a college or university?
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Can I open a college in the US as a foreigner?
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What is the difference between licensing and accreditation?
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What is the difference between national and regional accreditation?
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How do I prepare for an accreditation site visit?
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What if we already have a state license and just need accreditation help?
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How is Expert Education Consultants different from hiring a lawyer or doing it myself?
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Whether or Not You Hire Us, You Should Talk to Us First

A 30-minute strategy call with a senior accreditation consultant can save you months of false starts. We'll assess your project, identify the right state, and give you a realistic roadmap β€” for free.