State Approvals, Authorizations, Certifications, Exemptions, Licenses, and Registrations

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In addition to accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and specific program accreditations, South University holds the following state approvals, authorizations, certifications, and licenses: 

State Statement 
Alabama South University, Montgomery, qualifies for exemption from the requirements of licensure by the Department of Postsecondary Education in the State of Alabama pursuant to the Code of Alabama §16-46-3(a)(7), as amended. An exemption pursuant to this section shall not be construed to constitute approval or endorsement by the state of Alabama for any purpose (135 S Union St; Montgomery, AL 36104-4340 or PO Box 302130; Montgomery, AL 36130-2130; 334-293-4500; www.accs.cc).

South University, Savannah, is exempted from programmatic review by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education pursuant to the Code of Alabama §16-5-10 (14).  South University, Savannah is licensed by the Alabama Community College System, Private School Licensing Division (P.O. Box 302130 Montgomery, AL 36130-2130, Private School Licensure - Alabama Community College System (accs.edu)). 
Alaska South University is exempt from authorization by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (PO Box 110505; Juneau, AK 99811-0505; 907-465-6741; www.acpe.alaska.gov) under AS 14.48 and 20 AAC 17 because the program is online or distance delivered and does not have a physical presence in the state. 
Arizona  Without a physical presence in Arizona, South University is not required to seek approval from the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education (1740 West Adams Street, Suite 3008, Phoenix, AZ 85007, 1.602.542.5709, https://ppse.az.gov/). 
Arkansas The Arkansas Department of Education, Higher Education Coordinating Board (423 Main Street, Suite 400; Little Rock, AR 72201; 501-371-2000; www.adhe.edu) has granted South University certification for degree programs by distance technology.  Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board certification does not constitute an endorsement of any institution or program. Such certification merely indicates that certain criteria have been met as required under the rules and regulations implementing institutional and program certification as defined in Arkansas Code §6-61-301. 
California Without a physical presence in California, South University is not required to seek approval from the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education under the California Private Postsecondary Act of 2009 (www.bppe.ca.gov/lawsregs/ppe_act.shtml).

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss.  Unless relived of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the fund STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school.  Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following: 
  • The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau. 
  • You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120 day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120 day period before the program was discontinued. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before the closure.
  • The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  • The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law, or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  • You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  • You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of non-collection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery.  If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number. 
Colorado Without a physical presence in Colorado, South University does not qualify for authorization from the Department of Higher Education (1560 Broadway, Suite 1600; Denver, CO 80202; 303-866-2723; www.highered.colorado.gov). 
Connecticut South University does not recruit or enroll Connecticut residents. 
Delaware South University has been granted full approval to operate with degree-granting authority in the State of Delaware Department of Education (Townsend Building, 401 Federal Street Suite 2, Dover, DE 19901-3639; 302-735-4000; www.doe.k12.de.us) 
District of Columbia  South University does not recruit or enroll District of Columbia residents. 
Florida South University is exempt from licensure by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education, per Florida Statute 1009.89. Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400, toll-free telephone number (888)224-6684. 
Georgia South University, Savannah, meets the criteria for an exemption from the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission's (NPEC 2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220, Tucker, GA 30084-5305; 770-414-3300) regulations as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 20-3-250.3(a)(14). 
Hawaii Without a physical presence in Hawaii, South University is exempt from authorization requirements with the Hawaii Department of Education 
Idaho Without a physical presence in Idaho, South University is not required to register with the Idaho State Board of Education (650 West State St, Suite 307; PO Box 83720; Boise, ID 83720-0037; 208-334-2270; www.boardofed.idaho.gov). 
Illinois South University meets the criteria for an exemption based on its limited physical presence in Illinois as defined under the Illinois Administrative Code Section 1030.10 (Ill. Admin. Code tit. 23 § 1030 (2017)). As such, South University has been granted exemption from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (431 East Adams St, 2nd Floor; Springfield, IL 62701-1404; 217-782-2551; 
www.ibhe.org). 
Indiana South University is authorized by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (101 West Ohio Street, Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46204-4206; 317-464-4400; www.che.in.gov) as an out-of-state institution with no physical presence in Indiana to enroll and offer online instruction or distance education to Indiana residents delivered from a campus in another state in accordance with Indiana Administrative Code IC 21-18.5-6-12.
Iowa South University is a registered university with the Iowa Department of Education (Bureau of Iowa College Aid) to operate within the State of Iowa for the purpose of offering postsecondary educational programs to Iowa residents. (Iowa Department of Education (Bureau of Iowa College Aid), 475 SW 5th St., Suite D, Des Moines, IA 50309; toll-free phone 877-272-4456; https://educate.iowa.gov/higher-ed). Student complaint form: 
https://educate.iowa.gov/higher-ed/student-complaints  
Kansas  The Kansas Board of Regents has granted a Certificate of Approval that legally authorizes South University to provide postsecondary education to the State of Kansas (Kansas Board of Regents, Private Postsecondary Education Division; 1000 Southwest Jackson, Suite 520; Topeka, KS 66612-1368; 785-430-4240; www.kansasregents.org). 
Kentucky South University is licensed by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (1024 Capital Center Drive, Suite 320, Frankfort, Kentucky, 40601, 502-573-1555, http://cpe.ky.gov). 
Louisiana South University is currently licensed by the Board of Regents of the State of Louisiana (PO Box 3677, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3677; 225-342-4253; www.regents.la.gov). Licenses are renewed by The State Board of Regents every two years. Licensed institutions have met minimal operational standards set forth by the state, but licensure does not constitute accreditation, guarantee the transferability of credit, nor signify that programs are certifiable by any professional agency or organization. 
Maine South University is exempt from the oversight of Maine law due to lack of physical presence in the State (23 State House Station; Augusta, ME 04333-0023; 207-624-6600; 
www.maine.gov/doe/highered/index.html). 
Maryland South University is registered with the Maryland Higher Education Commission (6 N. Liberty Street, 10th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201; 410-767-3300; www.mhec.state.md.us) per the requirements of the Education Article, Title 11, Subtitle 2, Annotated Code of Maryland and COMAR 13B.05.01 to enroll Maryland students in fully online distance education programs. The Commission's registration of the University's fully online programs is not an authorization of the institution to operate in Maryland or an approval or endorsement of the University's programs. 
Massachusetts South University does not recruit or enroll Massachusetts residents. 
Michigan Without a physical presence, South University is not required to be authorized by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (PO Box 30018, Lansing, MI 48909; 517-373-1820). 
Minnesota South University is registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350, St. Paul, MN 55108-5227, 651-642-0567, www.ohe.state.mn.us) pursuant to Minnesota Statutes sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions. 
Mississippi Without a physical presence, South University is not required to be authorized by the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation or the Mississippi Community College Board, Commission on Proprietary Schools and College Registration.  
Missouri Without a physical presence, South University is not required to be authorized by the Missouri Department of Education 
Montana South University authorized by the Montana University System (2500 Broadway; PO Box 203201; Helena, MT 59620-3201; 406-444-0345; www.montana.edu) to offer post-secondary degree programs in the State of Montana 
Nebraska Without a physical presence, South University is not required to be authorized by the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. 
Nevada South University is licensed to operate by the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education; 8778 South Maryland Parkway, Suite 115, Las Vegas, Nevada 89123; 702-486-7330. 
New Hampshire South University has received administrative approval from the Higher Education Commission of the State of New Hampshire's Department of Education-Division of Higher Education (101 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301; 800-339-9900) to offer educational programs in accordance with the New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules (POS 1008). 
New Jersey  Without a physical presence, South University is not required to be authorized by the New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education. 
New Mexico  South University is registered with the New Mexico Higher Education Department, 2044 Galisteo Street, Suite 4, Santa Fe, NM 87505; Phone Number:  505-476-8400. 
New York  South University does not recruit or enroll New York residents. 
North Carolina South University, High Point is licensed by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors to offer degree programs under matters regulated by General Statute 116-15 (University of North Carolina General Administration, PO Box 2688; Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2688; 919-962-4558;  http://www.northcarolina.edu/). 
North Dakota  South University has met the North Dakota University System's requirements for ND Century Code 15-18.1-02.8 Exemptions. (10th Floor, State Capitol, 600 East Boulevard Ave, Dept. 215; Bismarck, ND 58505-0230; 701-328-2960; www.ndus.edu/system/).
Ohio South University holds a Certificate of Authorization from the Ohio Board of Regents. 
Oklahoma Without a physical presence, South University is not required to be authorized by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. 
Oregon South University does not recruit or enroll Oregon residents. 
Pennsylvania Without a physical presence in Pennsylvania, South University is not required to apply for approval from the Department of Education (333 Market St; Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333; 717-787-4448; www.education.state.pa.us). 
Puerto Rico  South University does not recruit or enroll Puerto Rico residents. 
Rhode Island  South University does not recruit or enroll Rhode Island residents.
South Carolina South University, Columbia is licensed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, 
(1122 Lady Street, Suite 300, Columbia, SC 29201, 803-737-2260, www.che.sc.gov) as a nonpublic postsecondary institution. Licensure indicates only that minimum standards have been met; it is not an endorsement or guarantee of quality. Licensure is not equivalent to or synonymous with accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 
South Dakota  Without the physical presence in South Dakota, South University is not required to be authorized by the Secretary of State - Postsecondary Education. 
Tennessee Without a physical presence in Tennessee, South University is not required to apply for approval from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (404 James Robertson Pkwy, Suite 1900; Nashville, TN 37243; 615-741-3605; www.tn.gov/thec). 
Texas South University, Austin is exempted by the Texas Workforce Commission under Texas Education Code, Section 132.002(a)(6). Exemption means that this campus of South University is not approved or regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission (101 E 15 St; Austin, TX 78778-0001; 512-463-2222; www.texasworkforce.org).

South University, Austin and South University, Savannah (Online Programs) each hold the Certificates of Authorization acknowledging exemption from the regulation by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as defined in Chapter 7.3 of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's rules (PO Box 12788; Austin, TX 78711 or 1200 E. Anderson Lane; Austin, TX 78752; 512-427- 6200; www.thecb.state.tx.us).
Utah South University holds a Certificate of Postsecondary State Authorization from the Utah Division of Consumer Protection (160 East 300 South, Second Floor, Salt Lake City, UT 84111; 801.530.6601).  This Certificate of State Authorization verifies that the school has met the requirements of Utah Code Ann. §13-34a-204 to be a registered postsecondary school required under 34 C.F.R. 600.9 to be legally authorized by the State of Utah. 
Vermont Without a physical presence in Vermont, South University is not required to seek approval from the Vermont Department of Education and the Vermont State Board of Education (120 State Street; Montpelier, VT 05620-2501; 802-828-3135; www.education.vermont.gov). 
Virginia South University, Richmond, 2151 Old Brick Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060 and South University, Virginia Beach, 301 Bendix Road, Suite 100, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 are certified to operate in Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (James Monroe Building, 101 North 14th St; Richmond, VA 23219; 804-225-2600; www.schev.edu). 
Washington South University does not enroll Washington residents into field placement programs.  As a result, South University is not required to be authorized by the Washington Student Achievement Council.

For Washington State residents seeking information and resources about student loan repayment or seeking to submit a complaint relating to your student loans or student loan servicer, please visit www.wsac.wa.gov/loan-advocacy or contact the Student Loan Advocate at 
loanadvocate@wsac.wa.gov. 
West Virginia  South University is authorized by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (1018 Kanawha Blvd East, Suite 700; Charleston, WV 25301; 304-558-2101; www.hepc.wvnet.edu). 
Wisconsin South University has been approved and is legally authorized to do business in the state of Wisconsin by the Educational Approval Board as a private postsecondary school, subject to the provisions of §38.50 Wisconsin Statutes, and all administrative rules adopted pursuant to the statutes. Approval includes on those programs and those locations specifically approved by the Board (431 Charmany Drive, Suite 102; Madison, WI 53719; 608-266-1996; http://eab.state.wi.us/).
Wyoming South University is licensed by the Wyoming Department of Education as an accredited postsecondary private degree granting institution under Wyoming Statutes §§21-2-401 through 21-2-407 and in accordance with the Chapter 30 Rules and Regulations of the Wyoming Department of Education (Hathaway Building, 2nd Floor, 2300 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82002-0050; 307-777-7675; https://edu.wyoming.gov).