1. (1) A postsecondary school may submit a registration statement to obtain a state authorization certificate if the postsecondary school is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

2. (2) To obtain a state authorization certificate, a postsecondary school shall submit a registration statement on a form approved by the division that includes:

   1. (a) proof of current accreditation from the postsecondary school's accrediting agency; and
   2. (b) all information required by division rule made in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.

3. (3)

   1. (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), a state authorization certificate expires two years after the division issues the state authorization certificate to an accredited postsecondary school.
   2. (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(a), the division may extend the period for which a state authorization certificate is effective so that expiration dates are staggered throughout the year.

4. (4) A state authorization certificate that the division issues to a longstanding nonprofit accredited postsecondary school:

   1. (a) expires two years after the division issues the state authorization certificate;
   2. (b) establishes the postsecondary school by name as an educational institution in accordance with 34 C.F.R. Sec. 600.9(a)(1)(i);
   3. (c) makes the postsecondary school independent of the state system of higher education; and
   4. (d) authorizes the postsecondary school to operate educational programs in the state that are beyond secondary education, including programs that lead to a degree or certificate.
5. (5) A state authorization certificate that the division issues to a public postsecondary school does not expire.

6. (6) A postsecondary school may satisfy Subsection (2)(a) by demonstrating to the division that the postsecondary school is:

   1. (a) within a grace period provided by the United States Department of Education for obtaining new accreditation; or
   2. (b) otherwise considered by the United States Department of Education to have recognized accreditation.
7. (7) To renew a state authorization certificate under this section, a postsecondary school shall submit a registration statement to the division at least 30 days before the day on which the postsecondary school's state authorization expires.

Amended by Chapter 95, 2026 General Session