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The Official Web Site of the State of South Carolina

Licensing of Non-Public Postsecondary Institutions

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education authorizes licenses for non-public postsecondary institutions operating and soliciting in South Carolina. The CHE licenses degree- and non-degree-granting institutions, and licensure is required for both sites and programs. The CHE is the sole authority for licensing non-public educational institutions established in South Carolina, and for those established elsewhere which want to operate in or confer degrees in this state.

Law and Regulations
Licensing Procedures
Licensing - Frequently Asked Questions
Directory of CHE Licensed Non-Public Postsecondary Institutions
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) for distance courses and programs

SARA sets comparable standards for interstate offerings of postsecondary distance courses and programs. Member states recognize each other’s participating institutions as eligible to enroll students in distance education programs. The CHE handles South Carolina’s participation in SARA. Click here for more information.

Request Application for New Licenses: To request an application for licensure please contact a member of the licensing staff at (803) 737-2260 or e-mail your request to licensing@che.sc.gov. Please provide the following information:

  1. Your name
  2. School name and location
  3. E-mail address (preferable) OR address to which the packet should be mailed
  4. Whether your school is a degree-granting or non-degree-granting institution
  5. The curriculum titles
  6. A telephone number where you can be reached.