Approval Process

Legal Statement

The Code of Alabama Section 46-16-1 through 10 provides that the Alabama Community College System (formerly Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education) has approval /licensing authority for for-profit/proprietary vocational/technical school, non-degree-granting proprietary schools and non-accredited degree-granting institutions. No proprietary postsecondary school, unless otherwise exempted, shall operate within the State of Alabama unless the school first secures a Private School License. These licenses are based on the Guidelines for Private School License requirements and are valid for a two year period.

Application Process

The Guidelines for Private School License can be located in the quick links section or by clicking on Guidelines for Private School License. Please read the Guidelines for Private School License carefully before beginning the application process on the online system. The Private School License application must be submitted using the online system located in the quick links section or by clicking on online application. You will need to register as a new user prior to beginning the application.

Institutions domiciled outside of the state of Alabama or that have ownership that is not located in Alabama are required to apply with the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) in addition to applying for a Private School License. Please refer to the website http://www.ache.edu to obtain information on applying with ACHE

Code of Alabama Section

Section 16-46-2 Declaration Policy
Section 16-46-5 License for operation of schools; fees; financial stability

2011 LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO PRIVATE SCHOOL LICENSE STATUTE

The Private School License statute, Code of Alabama Chapter 46, Section 16-46-1 through 10, was amended in the 2011 Legislative Session. Primarily the amendment changes exemption requirements for postsecondary private schools. Click here to review ACT No. 2011-296.

Approval Process