Maintaining High Standards

The Higher Education Coordinating Board develops and recommends statewide policies to enhance the availability, quality, efficiency, and accountability of public higher education in Washington, (RCW 28B.76.030).

Approval of New and Review of Existing Degree Programs

The HECB reviews and approves degree programs at the state's public, four-year universities and The Evergreen State College, and applied baccalaureate programs at community and technical colleges - to ensure they meet the needs of students, and are wise investments of state resources. A key aspect of this role is the planning and coordination of academic programs, off-campus facilities, teaching sites, and centers.
 

Authorizing Institutions to Offer Degrees

To protect citizens from fraudulent and deceptive practices, the HECB authorizes out-of-state colleges and universities and some in-state private colleges and universities to offer degree programs in Washington.  Authority for this work is granted under the state's Degree-Granting Institutions Act.

Applying for Authorization

Degree-granting institutions seeking authorization to operate in Washington should contact the HECB at DAinfo@hecb.wa.gov.  Private, vocational technical schools seeking a license to operate in Washington should contact the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.
 

Approval of Veterans' Programs

The HECB also approves educational and occupational training programs for veterans' educational benefits.

Protecting Education Consumers
The state’s Degree-Granting Institutions Act also protects Washington consumers from substandard, fraudulent, and deceptive activities at degree-granting colleges and universities authorized by the HECB. The benefits of the law:

  • Students are guaranteed consumer protection under state law.
  • Employers can rely on the credibility of institutional degree programs.
  • If  a school closes, the state can intervene to preserve student records
  • Information collected through the authorization process assists HECB staff in determining statewide program needs.
     

Needs Assessment and System Design

The HECB engages in a comprehensive and ongoing process to analyze the need for new degrees and programs, for additional off-campus centers and locations, and to consolidate or eliminate programs offered by public, four-year colleges and universities.
 

Accountability

The HECB monitors and reports on the achievements of Washington's two- and four-year public colleges and universities.