St. Postsecondary Education Commission

The Hawaii State Postsecondary Education Commission approves and monitors out-of-state and for-profit higher education institutions operating in Hawaii, ensuring they meet minimum standards for academic quality, financial stability, and student consumer protection. The commission reviews institutional applications, investigates complaints about unauthorized or substandard institutions, and takes action against schools that mislead students or fail to deliver on their educational promises. It works to protect Hawaii students from degree mills and predatory institutions.

Hawaii students considering enrollment in private or out-of-state institutions operating in Hawaii can verify those schools' authorization status through the commission. Students who feel they were misled by an educational institution can file complaints with the commission to seek remedies.