New Hampshire Department of Education, Division of Educator Support and Higher Education

No response provided

_____  Public, in-state degree granting institutions
__X__ Public, out-of-state degree granting institutions
__X__ Private, in-state, not-for-profit degree granting institutions
__X__ Private, out-of-state, not-for-profit degree granting institutions
__X__ Private, in-state, for-profit degree granting institutions
__X__ Private, out-of-state, for-profit degree granting institutions
__X__ Public, in-state, non-degree granting institutions
__X__ Public, out-of-state, non-degree granting institutions
__X__ Non-degree, not-for profit institutions
__X__ Non-degree, for-profit institutions
__X__ Religious institutions
_____ Tribally-controlled institutions
_____ Federal Institutions
_____ Municipal institutions

____ Institution _____ Program ___X__ Both

For NC-SARA and teacher educator preparation programs, both public and private institutions must seek our approval. For degree-granting authority, only private institutions are required to seek our approval.

Any institution seeking initial degree-granting authority shall be in good standing with a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. department of education, the council for higher education accreditation, or both, within 8 years of receiving initial commission approval. (NH Hedc 406.03)

Accreditation Required for:
__X__ Public, out-of-state degree granting institutions
__X__ Private, in-state, not-for-profit degree granting institutions
__X__ Private, out-of-state, not-for-profit degree granting institutions
__X__ Private, in-state, for-profit degree granting institutions
__X__ Private, out-of-state, for-profit degree granting institutions
__X__ Public, in-state, non-degree granting institutions
_____  Public, out-of-state, non-degree granting institutions
_____ Non-degree, not-for profit institutions
_____ Non-degree, for-profit institutions
__X__ Religious institutions
_____ Tribally-controlled institutions
_____ Federal Institutions
_____ Municipal institutions

Not Applicable

Yes, certain institutions or programs are exempt by law or policy from NH state authorization requirements.

Per NH Administrative rules (Hedc 401.01)- Institutions Excluded from Commission Jurisdiction. The following institutions shall not be subject to the jurisdiction of the Higher Education Commission:

(a) Institutions of the University System of New Hampshire pursuant to RSA 187-A, and the Community College System of New Hampshire pursuant to RSA 188-F;

(b) An in-state institution which has been in continuous operation since before 1775 [Dartmouth College]; and

(c) Out-of-state institutions with no physical presence in New Hampshire that:

1. Offer credit-bearing courses, programs and/or degrees exclusively by online computer delivery, even if the institution has online instructors residing in this state if those instructors do not physically meet with students;
2. Send recruiters to college fairs or advertise in this state;
3. Partner with an approved New Hampshire institution that provides credit to New Hampshire college and university students; or
4. Contract with a New Hampshire entity that develops curriculum or instructional materials.

Hedc 400 (state.nh.us)

Dartmouth College; all NH public community colleges; or all NH public universities or colleges are institutions that are typically exempt from regulatory oversight of the NH Higher Education Commission. Exceptions include complaints from online (distance learning), out-of-state students and complaints from students that have served, or are serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces.

No. 

Yes.

Yes. 

Not Applicable

“Physical presence” means an actual physical location for instructional purposes, maintaining an administrative office including a mailing address or phone number in NH. And/or per the current SARA Policy Manual - Version 20.3 (Section 5) requirements for coverage are NOT met.

PART Hedc 402.01 (b)

Hedc 400 (state.nh.us) (PART Hedc 402 Definitions)

Not Applicable

Federal regulations require that each state have a process to review and appropriately act upon three types of student complaints: consumer protection, approval/licensure, and quality of education. The Division of Educator Support and Higher Education, under New Hampshire statutes and Administrative Rules, is responsible for reviewing such allegations.

Exceptions: Dartmouth College, the Community College System of New Hampshire, and the University System of New Hampshire. (See details below.)

1. Before students submit a complaint to this Division, they must first contact the appropriate official(s) at the institution they are attending (or attended), and follow the grievance procedures outlined in that institution’s catalog and Web site. If an individual continues to have an allegation against any college, university, or postsecondary career school (higher education institution) operating within the state, s/he should file a complaint using the complaint form linked below.

2. The Division will acknowledge receipt of the complaint, and if the matter is within defined statutory authority, take appropriate action. The Division does not intervene in the internal procedures of higher-education institutions, but does, however, respond to allegations that raise significant questions about the institution’s compliance with the NH Code of Administrative Rules: Chapter Hedc 400 (Degree-Granting Higher Education Institutions With A Physical Presence In New Hampshire) Chapter Hedc 300 (Office of Career School Licensing). If the allegation is applicable to a program that is approved for veterans’ educational benefits, then compliance with the applicable Federal statutes and regulations (Title 38) shall be reviewed.

3. If the nature of the matter is not within Division authority, the complainant will be advised to contact the proper authority.

Complete the complaint form at bottom of this page if you have contacted the institution and have a continued complaint regarding consumer protection, approval/licensure, and/or quality of education at:

• a NH degree-granting private institution.
• a NH non-degree granting career school (Learn more about the Division’s career school policies).
• Dartmouth College, a NH public community college or a NH public university or college (all complaints against these institutions will be reviewed and referred to the proper authorities). Note: these institutions are typically exempt from regulatory oversight of the Division, and as a result complaints received by the Division regarding these institutions will almost always be referred directly to the governing board of the subject institution. Exceptions include complaints from online, out-of-state students and complaints from students that have served, or are serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• a distance or online education program offered by a NH-based, degree- granting institution and you are an out-of-state student: Note: These complaints fall under NH’s participation in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
• a NH-based institution and you have served, or are serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces (Learn more about the Division’s Veterans Education Services).

If you are a client of the NH Department of Education’s Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, please contact your counselor directly.

If you are not a current or former student and have a grievance, please fill out the complaint form below and we will determine if your complaint falls within Division authority.

Higher Education Complaint Form Note: You should receive a confirmation e-mail upon successful submission of the form.

The process for handling student complaints are handled all within the NH DOE agency.

Higher Education in NH (Higher Education Commission, institutions, students, complaint form)

• NC-SARA

• Contact Name: Whitney C. Vaillancourt
• Title: Administrator, Higher Education
• Agency:  NH Department of Education
• Address:  101 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH  03301
• Email:  whitney.ca.vaillancourt@doe.nh.gov
• Phone:  603.271.0257
• URL:

Not Applicable

Federal regulations require that each state have a process to review and appropriately act upon three types of student complaints: consumer protection, approval/licensure, and quality of education. The Division of Educator Support and Higher Education, under New Hampshire statutes and Administrative Rules, is responsible for reviewing such allegations.

Exceptions: Dartmouth College, the Community College System of New Hampshire, and the University System of New Hampshire. (See details below.)

1. Before students submit a complaint to this Division, they must first contact the appropriate official(s) at the institution they are attending (or attended), and follow the grievance procedures outlined in that institution’s catalog and Web site. If an individual continues to have an allegation against any college, university, or postsecondary career school (higher education institution) operating within the state, s/he should file a complaint using the complaint form linked below.

2. The Division will acknowledge receipt of the complaint, and if the matter is within defined statutory authority, take appropriate action.

The Division does not intervene in the internal procedures of higher-education institutions, but does, however, respond to allegations that raise significant questions about the institution’s compliance with the NH Code of Administrative Rules:

Chapter Hedc 400 (Degree-Granting Higher Education Institutions With A Physical Presence In New Hampshire)

Chapter Hedc 300 (Office of Career School Licensing).

If the allegation is applicable to a program that is approved for veterans’ educational benefits, then compliance with the applicable Federal statutes and regulations (Title 38) shall be reviewed.

3. If the nature of the matter is not within Division authority, the complainant will be advised to contact the proper authority.

Complete the complaint form at bottom of this page if you have contacted the institution and have a continued complaint regarding consumer protection, approval/licensure, and/or quality of education at:

• a NH degree-granting private institution.
• a NH non-degree granting career school (Learn more about the Division’s career school policies).
• Dartmouth College, a NH public community college or a NH public university or college (all complaints against these institutions will be reviewed and referred to the proper authorities). Note: these institutions are typically exempt from regulatory oversight of the Division, and as a result complaints received by the Division regarding these institutions will almost always be referred directly to the governing board of the subject institution. Exceptions include complaints from online, out-of-state students and complaints from students that have served, or are serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• a distance or online education program offered by a NH-based, degree- granting institution and you are an out-of-state student: Note: These complaints fall under NH’s participation in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
• a NH-based institution and you have served, or are serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces (Learn more about the Division’s Veterans Education Services).

If you are a client of the NH Department of Education’s Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, please contact your counselor directly.

If you are not a current or former student and have a grievance, please fill out the complaint form below and we will determine if your complaint falls within Division authority.

Higher Education Complaint Form Note: You should receive a confirmation e-mail upon successful submission of the form.

The process for handling student complaints are handled all within the NH DOE Agency.

No. 

• Contact Name: Whitney C. Vaillancourt
• Title: Administrator, Higher Education
• Agency:  NH Department of Education
• Address:  101 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH  03301
• Email:  whitney.ca.vaillancourt@doe.nh.gov
• Phone:  603.271.0257
• URL:

Higher Education Complaint Form

Not Applicable

Any non-degree granting approved career schools under the jurisdiction of the Higher Education Commission shall submit notarized proof of surety indemnification in the form of a bond, an irrevocable letter of credit, or a term deposit pursuant to RSA 188-G:3. Any degree granting approved institution under the jurisdiction of the Commission shall not be required to submit a bond.

License Application Procedures

Not Applicable

Yes. NH has a refund policy requirement.

Approved degree granting and non-degree granting institutions.

Each approved institution must have their respective cancellation and refund policies included as part of their Public Disclosure requirements.

Hedc 405.11 Public Disclosure. The applicant shall, in the public disclosure section of its evaluation plan, include a catalog and supporting materials that are accessible electronically and that include the following:

[…] (k) Cancellation and refund policies;

No

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Out-of-state institutions having Commission approvals as described under Hedc 404.02(b)(2), (c)(2) and (3) shall file annual and/or other reports as specified in its Commission approval(s). The director shall review and report compliance to the Commission. Additional report(s) shall be required at the discretion of the Commission as necessary to provide additional information on the status of program approval. (NH Hedc 406.02 a, c)

Annual and/or additional report(s) at the discretion of the Commission.

Information regarding annual report(s), and/or additional reports are included in the institutions approval letter and can requirements can be found at:

Hedc 400 (state.nh.us)

Higher Education in NH

Not Applicable

Hedc 407.01 Violations.

(a) Alleged violations of RSA 292:8-g and RSA 292:8-h shall be reported by the Commission to the NH Department of Justice for enforcement.

(b) Written notification of alleged violations shall be given to the institution by the director.

(c) Institutions shall provide a written response to the Commission within 30 calendar days.

(d) The Commission shall consider the institution’s response and provide the opportunity for the institution to make an oral presentation.

(e) Any institution dissatisfied with the Commission’s decision may request a hearing within 60 days of the Commission’s decision.

Hedc 407.02 Suspension or Revocation of Authority.

(a) Degree-granting authority of any institution which no longer meets the standards established by rules shall be suspended or revoked, pursuant to RSA 21-N:8-a,II(e).

(b) Any institution which has not conducted regular instruction for 3 consecutive years and whose charter has not been repealed pursuant to RSA 292:8-ff IV, shall be evaluated before resumption of instruction.

(c) Degrees which an institution has not awarded for 4 years shall be evaluated pursuant to Hedc 405 prior to the re-awarding of any such degree.

Hedc 407.03 Hearing.

Any institution dissatisfied with the commission’s decision may request a hearing within 60 days of the date of the Commission’s decision.

Hedc 400 (state.nh.us)

Not Applicable

A representative from the requesting institution sets up a meeting with the director or designated representative, to discuss proposed plans. The institution representative shall identify the name of the institution • approval being sought • the reason therefore • the proposed timeline • anticipated benefits to students and the state of New Hampshire.

Higher Education Links and Resources

Procedures for College/University Comprehensive Review 

Procedures for College/University Expedited/Administrative Review

We do not have an Application per se – a person would follow Standards in Hedc 400 – NH Code of Administrative Rules. See the Procedures for the Reviews in the above question.

Yes. There is an application fee associated with the authorization process.

          Hedc 408.01 Fees. 

          (a)  Fees for Commission reviews and actions, and professional stipends, shall be as specified in Table Hedc 400-1 below. 

           (b)  All direct costs for institutional and/or program evaluations shall be the responsibility of the requesting institution. 

          (c)  Evaluators/observers shall be reimbursed for all expenses related to the evaluation, such as travel, lodging, and meals.  Payment shall be made to the individual, but forwarded to the Commission for recording 10 days following the site visit. 

          (d)  Checks for required fees shall be made payable to:  Treasurer, State of New Hampshire and forwarded to the Commission prior to on-site visits.

Hedc 400 (state.nh.us)

Not Applicable

Hedc 406.06 Institutions Undergoing Closure.

(a) Any institution that plans to close shall inform the commission by forwarding the following:

   (1) A transition plan and timetable that addresses and includes, but is not limited to:

      a. Public disclosure and student and donor notification;

      b. Changes in internal governance and leadership structure; and

      c. Changes in faculty and staff appointments;

   (2) A plan for discontinuation of programs that includes:

      a. Number of students impacted;

      b. Teach-out schedule detailing program completion at current institution; and

      c. Evidence of arrangement with another accredited institution for student transfer;

   (3) Evidence of fiscal resources necessary to support the transition;

   (4) Accreditor(s) expectations; and

   (5) Any correspondence to and from accrediting agencies.

(b) Pursuant to RSA 292:8-kk, any institution that closes shall also submit the following:

   (1) Two original transcripts and an electronic transcript for each student who was enrolled for instruction at the institution;

   (2) One original copy of catalogs for each year in existence;

   (3) An explanation of the institution’s credit and grading system; and

   (4) A typed list of students.

• Agency Name:  NH Department of Education, Division of Educator Support and Higher Education, Closed School Transcripts
• Contact Person:  Patricia Moquin
• Contact Phone:  603-271-0289
• Contact Address:  101 Pleasant Street Concord, NH 03301-3860
• Contact Email: ClosedSchoolTranscripts@doe.nh.gov
• Contact web site: Closed School Transcripts

Not Applicable

Not Applicable