Opening a College
Provisional Authorization to Open a College in New York State
This information and the linked materials are for those wishing to establish a new degree-granting institution in New York State.
The process to establish a degree-granting institution in New York State involves a rigorous, multi-phase review process, including a canvass of existing New York State degree-granting institutions to provide an opportunity for those institutions to raise issues and concerns about the possible impact the approval of the application would have on those institutions. Be advised that the submission of an application does not guarantee that it will be approved. Additionally, all proposed academic programs would need to meet New York State’s program registration standards.
If you wish to review relevant regulations for additional information, please see:
of the Rules of the Board of Regents (opening a for-profit college)
of the Rules of the Board of Regents (opening a non-profit college)
of the Regulations of the Commissioner (registration of curricula)
of the Regulations of the Commissioner (standards for the registration of curricula)
Due to Ⱥ½»Porn’s role in the review and determination of properly submitted applications, Department management and staff maintain a critical distance from applicants’ pre-submission program design decisions. Ⱥ½»Porn cannot provide assistance regarding the substance or content of an application for provisional authorization. As such, Ⱥ½»Porn does not schedule in-person meetings or phone calls to discuss the design or content of a prospective applicant’s submission.
Please note that the information provided on this page may not be applicable to degrees and programs related to professional licensure.
For information on educational laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to licensed professions (e.g., social work, nursing), please contact the at OPPROGS@nysed.gov.
For information on educational laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to licensed private career schools, please contact the .
Technical questions about how to apply for authorization to establish a new New York State degree-granting institution should be directed to IHEauthorize@nysed.gov.