### Question
How is the term institution of higher education defined?


### Answer
The term **institution of higher education** is defined in *20 U.S.C. § 1141* as the following:

> an educational institution in any State which (1) admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, (2) is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary education, (3) provides an educational program for which it awards a bachelor's degree or provides not less than a two-year program which is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree, (4) is a public or other nonprofit institution, and (5) is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association, or if not so accredited, is an institution that has been granted preaccreditation status by such an agency or association that has been recognized by the Secretary for the granting of preaccreditation status, and the Secretary has determined that there is satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the accreditation standards of such an agency or association within a reasonable time

#### Citation:
  - *20 U.S.C. § 1141*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 27-NATIONAL VOCATIONAL STUDENT LOAN INSURANCE > SUBCHAPTER XII-GENERAL PROVISIONS**

