On this page:
Overview
Career schools and colleges are privately-owned institutions that offer classroom or online training to teach the skills needed to perform a particular job. TWC licenses career schools and colleges and provides information and technical assistance to schools, students and the public.
Current career school or college students and people considering attending one can find useful information below. For additional information, contact TWC's Career Schools and Colleges department.
Selecting a Career School or College
Program types, costs and student outcomes vary significantly between schools and colleges. TWC does not endorse one institution, organization or individual providing training over another. However, TWC recommends that prospective students shop wisely, using the information in the Directory of Licensed Career Schools & Colleges and other available resources. The directory allows you to explore and compare programs on cost, length, enrollment, graduation rates, performance history (graduation, employment & placement rates) of graduates and school accreditation.
If a career school or college operates without a valid certificate of approval or exemption, TWC issues a cease-and-desist order and the school may no longer operate in Texas.
Other Resources for Selecting a Career or Postsecondary School or College
- TWC’s Reality Check Career Planning Tool
- Online Resumes for Private & Public Institutions - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
- Career Colleges & Technical Schools - U.S. Department of Education
- Choosing a Vocational School - Federal Trade Commission
- Choosing a Career or Vocational School - Better Business Bureau
- Texas Higher Education Accountability System
- State Training Inventory: Texas Education & Workforce Training
- College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics
Accreditation
Accreditation refers to a voluntary process in which postsecondary schools and colleges apply to an independent, non-governmental body to review their school and programs against defined standards. To remain accredited, a school must meet minimum standards established by the accreditor.
Accreditation is not required for TWC to license a career school or college to operate in Texas. However, to offer federal grant and loan programs to its students, one requirement is that a career school or college must be accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Also, career schools and college and postsecondary institutions, other than Texas public institutions, offering any degree program in Texas must be authorized under a Certificate of Authority or Certificate of Authorization by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation also evaluates and recognizes accrediting agencies.
Accrediting Agencies Most Frequently Used by Licensed Career Schools in Texas
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE)
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
- Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
- Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
- American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE)
- National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)
How to Submit a Complaint Against a School
If you have a problem with your school, first attempt to get the school to address your concerns, following the complaint policy explained in your school catalog.
If your school cannot resolve your problem or you do not wish to follow your school’s process, you may submit a complaint with TWC’s Career Schools and Colleges department. If your school is accredited, you also can file a complaint with your school’s accrediting body.
To submit a complaint with TWC, complete one of the following forms, which includes instructions for how to submit it by mail, fax or email:
- Student Complaint Form
or
- Estudiantes Formulario de Queja or
- General School Complaint Form or
Follow the directions on the form carefully and provide as much detail as possible. Include copies of documentation to support your complaint. If you wish to submit your complaint anonymously, please be aware that without the name, address and complaint certification signature of an identifiable individual, our ability to use the information may be limited.
Resources
School Closures
Enforcement Actions
TWC will work with a school operating in violation of law or rule to become compliant. If a school continues to operate in violation, we may impose penalties or sanctions as authorized by Texas Administrative Code sections 807.352 and 807.353. Assessments of Administrative Penalties may be found in the School Detail listing for a particular school in the Licensed Career Schools and Colleges Directory Search.
Financial Aid
TWC regulates and licenses career schools in Texas, however our Career Schools and Colleges department does not provide financial aid assistance. For information about financial aid, review the resources linked below. You also may contact your Workforce Solutions office to see what benefits and training assistance you are eligible to receive.
- Applying for Financial Aid - College for All Texans
- Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation
- Federal Student Aid - U.S. Department of Education
- National Student Loan Data System - U.S. Department of Education
Laws & Regulations
Service
- Call: 512-936-3100
- Call Toll-Free: 866-256-6333
- Fax: 512-936-3111
- Email:
career.schools@twc.texas.gov
