Request to Become Licensed to Operate in Kentucky

A license to operate and advertise in Kentucky is required for any school, whether non-profit, for-profit or an out-of-state public institution. Licensure is also required of religious and online programs, unless it is an in-state religious college with specific activities that merit an exemption. These are decided on a case-by-case basis.

Note: If you are a for-profit or non-profit school offering only credentials below a bachelor’s degree, you need to work with the Commission on Proprietary Education.

To begin the licensure process, please contact the Executive Director of Postsecondary Licensing in order to request additional information about the application for licensure and fee before you submit the application:

Criteria for a license include:

Stable finances, proper recordkeeping and a course catalog.
Clear administrative, refund and academic policies.
Qualified faculty, instructional support, academic advising and services for students.
Facilities and equipment in compliance with the local, state and national safety and health requirements.
Provision of truthful marketing messages and school information, such as policies and schedule, to the public, and responsiveness to student complaints reported to the Council.
Data, such as enrollment, number of student transfers and the number of degrees awarded.

Once licensed in Kentucky, a campus may only operate and advertise the courses, programs or school specifically approved in the license.

To review Kentucky laws pertaining to licensure, visit the legislative library. For more information about data reporting, see the data guidelines.

Annual Reports

Contact information for questions

Executive Director of Postsecondary Licensing
Jevonda.Keith@ky.gov
502-892-3031
Council on Postsecondary Education
100 Airport Road, 3rd Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601

DISCLAIMER: This office cannot give legal advice to any individual or take any legal action on behalf of any individual.

Last Updated: 4/25/2024