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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 educational 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, Regulations and Exemptions
Licensing Procedures
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:

  • Your name, school name and location e-mail address (preferable) OR address to which the packet should be mailed
  • Whether your school is a degree-granting or non-degree-granting institution
  • The curriculum titles
  • A telephone number where you can be reached.
Pay Licensing Fees Online
Licensing - Frequently Asked Questions
Directory of CHE Licensed Non-Public Postsecondary Institutions

SC State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) for Distance Courses and Programs 

About SC SARA

South Carolina is a member state the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which allows distance program enrollment between participating institutions in member states. This voluntary agreement establishes comparable standards for interstate offerings of postsecondary distance education. Participation is limited to accredited degree-granting institutions. The CHE is designated as the state portal entity for SC SARA and is responsible for the coordination of all SARA activities for the state.

Pay SC SARA Fees Online