State Oversight of the Private and Proprietary Sector

State oversight of private colleges and proprietary schools and the criteria used in evaluating institutions are considered. The primary approaches used by states in licensing and authorizing schools to operate and grant degrees are identified: minimum standards, honest practice, and realization of objectives. Tables show the current regulatory status and the variety of state agencies having oversight responsibility for both degree-granting and nondegree-granting institutions for private postsecondary education. Currently 43 states and the District of Columbia have some form of licensure or authorization procedures for private degree-granting institutions. All states except Utah have some form of licensure law for nondegree-granting institutions. Ten categories of criteria often found in state regulations are identified, along with examples of the types of information sought by many states. The criteria concern: purposes and objectives; administration and governance; finances; curriculum and program of studies; faculty; physical plant; library; student services, admissions, and refund policy; publications, and college records. Implications of telecommunications for states and the proprietary sector are briefly discussed. A statement on accreditation and authorization of distance learning through telecommunications is appended. (SW)