Frequently Asked
Questions school owners ask.
Short answers on licensing, accreditation, Title IV, and opening a school. For deeper guidance, see the blog.
- Do I need a license to open a career school in Florida?
- Yes. Most private postsecondary, career, and vocational schools in Florida must be licensed by the Commission for Independent Education (CIE) before advertising, enrolling, or collecting tuition. Licensing confirms your programs, disclosures, finances, and student-protection provisions meet state standards.
- Is licensing the same as accreditation?
- No. Licensing is state permission to operate. Accreditation is a separate, voluntary quality review by a recognized agency such as ACCSC, COE, ABHES, NACCAS, or DEAC. A license alone does not make your students eligible for federal financial aid.
- What do I need to become Title IV eligible?
- To participate in federal student aid (Title IV), a school generally must be state-authorized and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, then approved by the Department through a Program Participation Agreement. State, accreditor, and Department of Education each play a role.
- How long does accreditation take?
- For most career schools, initial accreditation takes roughly eighteen months to three years from serious preparation to a decision, including the self-study and site-visit phases. Clean, consistent records are the biggest factor in moving faster.
- Which accreditor should my school choose?
- It depends on your programs and credentials. ACCSC and COE serve broad career and occupational programs, ABHES specializes in health education, and NACCAS focuses on cosmetology and career arts. Match the accreditor to what you teach and confirm it is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education if you want Title IV.
- What is a self-study?
- A self-study is the institution's honest, evidence-backed evaluation of itself against each accreditation standard. It is the centerpiece of an accreditation cycle and must align with what your records and practices actually show.
- What happens during an accreditation site visit?
- A peer evaluation team verifies your self-study in person — reviewing student files, faculty credentials, facilities, financial aid administration, and governance — and ends with a preliminary summary of findings. A mock review beforehand is the best preparation.
- What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
- SAP is the policy confirming students are progressing toward completing their program, measured by both grades and pace. A compliant SAP policy with consistent, documented application is required for schools administering federal aid.
- How do I get my school approved for GI Bill benefits?
- VA education benefits flow through programs approved by a State Approving Agency on behalf of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Approval is program-specific and requires a license, usually accreditation, compliant documentation, and a trained School Certifying Official.
- How much does it cost to start and accredit a school?
- Costs span facility, licensing fees and bonding, accreditation fees, payroll, curriculum, and advisory support. The most underestimated cost is the working capital needed to operate through accreditation and Title IV approval before federal aid revenue begins.
- Can you help a school that is already operating but struggling with compliance?
- Yes. Much of our work is with established schools preparing for reaffirmation, recovering from findings, or tightening records before a review. We start by assessing where you stand against the standards and build the shortest credible path to readiness.
- Where is Cole Middleton Advisors located, and who do you work with?
- We are based in Orlando, Florida and work with career schools and postsecondary institutions navigating licensing, accreditation, federal programs, and operational growth. You can reach us at 407-949-2431 or jangley@colemiddleton.com.