Proprietary Schools
The term "proprietary school" is derived from the word "proprietor" (owner), and commonly refers to private postsecondary educational institutions operated for profit. In Missouri, the Proprietary School Certification program is responsible for the oversight of a wide variety of schools, not just traditional proprietary schools. As a result, the program is often referred to as the Postsecondary School Certification Program.
Types of Proprietary Schools
The following is a list of the main categories of schools that must meet the requirements of the Proprietary School Certification Program. Each category includes schools that are for-profit and not-for-profit.
Private vocational schools (located in Missouri)
Also referred to as private career schools, these institutions prepare graduates for entering the workforce in a specific field or related fields.
Private schools or colleges that offer college-level instructional programs (located in Missouri)
These institutions may offer programs in an academic subject and/or specialized degree areas relating to specific occupations or professions.
Postsecondary institutions (not located in Missouri) that offer courses or programs of instruction in the state
This category of institutions includes both for-profit and not-for-profit colleges and universities based outside of the state as well as non-Missouri private career schools.
Non-Missouri postsecondary institutions that recruit students in Missouri
This applies to schools that employ recruiters that work in the state or that operate a recruitment office in the state.
Find a Proprietary School!
This link will take you to a page where you can search for schools of interest based on a range of selection criteria.
Requirements for Operation
According to Missouri statutes, any school that offers an instructional program or actively recruits students from within the state must be either certified to operate or exempted from the certification requirements.
A school that is certified to operate by the MDHE has agreed to operate within the standards established by Missouri law and the MDHE. Those standards are organized around six major components of a postsecondary institution:
- Governance and control
- Instructional programs
- Faculty and staff qualifications
- Financial performance and stability
- Student cost information
- Student services information
Schools in the certification program must undergo an annual renewal process and a periodic on-site evaluation to determine ongoing compliance with the standards of operation.
Closed School Information
Because schools are frequently opening and closing in this sector, many individuals have questions about school closure and their records. This link will take you to an FAQ on that topic.
Exemption
Schools can also operate legally in the state if they have been exempted from the requirement to be certified to operate. The following is a list of the types of institutions that are exempt from the requirements of Proprietary School Certification Program:
- Public institutions located in Missouri.
- Accredited, not-for-profit private institutions located in Missouri.
- Religious and charitable institutions.
- Schools offering only avocational or recreational courses or programs.
- Employer sponsored training for employees.
- Training by trade or professional associations for members only.
- Schools regulated by other state agencies.
- Schools enrolling students primarily under the age of 16.
In general, schools must apply with the MDHE in order to be granted exempt status. Please contact the department if you have questions about the status of any institution.
Things You Should Know about proprietary schools. This link will take you to information about how to choose a school and some of the questions you should ask as you consider where to enroll.
