Private Colleges & Universities

Advice to Consumers

DO YOUR HOMEWORK! KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING INTO! The world of private educational services is a “buyer beware” market. Although there are many reputable, legitimate businesses out there providing quality education & training for your dollar, some others could be disorganized, ill-prepared or even dishonest.

If you are considering enrolling in education course work at either the College Degree level or the Professional-Technical certificate level, on campus or on-line, you should first carefully investigate the school you wish to attend. Visit their web site and look for the key information discussed below. If it's not there, be ready to ask school officials exactly where you can find it. Ask yourself (and school officials) these basic questions:

• (for Colleges) Are they "accredited" by one of the national or regional accrediting agencies recognized by both the US Dept of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)? -- Please Note: This is an Idaho state requirement in order to be granting college degree in Idaho. -- Ask to see their Accrediting Agency's approval letter that covers the specific program of study you are interested in. Non-Accredited program credits will generally not transfer or count toward awarding a degree.


• (All) Are they properly registered with SBOE? Ask to see their Registration Certificate for the current year. Every registered school will have one.


• (All) Did they provide complete, direct contact information on their web site or printed advertisements? -- Did they provide names of school officials such as the President, Academic Provost, or Department Heads, etc? -- Did they provide email addresses, phone numbers, mailing & street addresses, etc?


• (All) Did they provide a clear and complete list of Costs for credits, tuition, application fees, etc, ... or clear direction on where/how to find them? Did you check this out?


• (All) Did they provide details on the full number of credits required for the Degree or Certificate you are interested in? (How much will my complete “program of study” cost me?)


• How long have they been in business? ... in this state? ... at this location?


• Has the school's name changed in the last two years? ... Why?


• Has the school moved from one state to another in the last 2 years? ... Why?


• (for Trade/Professional Schools) Who is their Surety Bond Agency? They must report this to OSBE when registering; after that, it's "public" information.


• NEVER give out any personal information (Social Security or bank account numbers, credit card numbers, etc.) or sign any type of contract at the first meeting. Ask to take a copy of their registration paperwork with you to study later. If they won't let you do that, be very suspicious.


• If you have any doubts about a school or education service, contact the Office of the State Board Of Education immediately. Other agencies you might also want to check with include;



The local Better Business Bureau: Have other people complained about them?

The Idaho Secretary of State’s Office: Are they properly incorporated to do business in Idaho?

The Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses: Is this business or service governed by a state board or commission, other than the State Board Of Education?

Also check with the offices for: Idaho Dept of Labor/Workforce Investment Act (DOL/WIA)
-- ID Div of Vocational Rehabilitation (IDVR)
-- State/Federal Veterans Benefits Program:
-- Is this school properly registered to be a state service provider, where sources of financial assistance might be available other than student loans?
-- Do they qualify to provide Federal Student Loans or State Grants?