20 U.S.C. § 1003

Additional definitions

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In this chapter:(1) Authorizing committees

The term “authorizing committees” means the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives.

(2) Combination of institutions of higher education

The term “combination of institutions of higher education” means a group of institutions of higher education that have entered into a cooperative arrangement for the purpose of carrying out a common objective, or a public or private nonprofit agency, organization, or institution designated or created by a group of institutions of higher education for the purpose of carrying out a common objective on the group’s behalf.

(3) Critical foreign language

Except as otherwise provided, the term “critical foreign language” means each of the languages contained in the list of critical languages designated by the Secretary in the Federal Register on August 2, 1985 (50 Fed. Reg. 31412; promulgated under the authority of section 212(d) of the Education for Economic Security Act (repealed by section 2303 of the Augustus F. Hawkins-Robert T. Stafford Elementary and Secondary School Improvement Amendments of 1988)), as updated by the Secretary from time to time and published in the Federal Register, except that in the implementation of this definition with respect to a specific title, the Secretary may set priorities according to the purposes of such title and the national security, economic competitiveness, and educational needs of the United States.

(4) Department

The term “Department” means the Department of Education.

(5) Diploma millThe term “diploma mill” means an entity that—(A)(i) offers, for a fee, degrees, diplomas, or certificates, that may be used to represent to the general public that the individual possessing such a degree, diploma, or certificate has completed a program of postsecondary education or training; and(ii) requires such individual to complete little or no education or coursework to obtain such degree, diploma, or certificate; and(B) lacks accreditation by an accrediting agency or association that is recognized as an accrediting agency or association of institutions of higher education (as such term is defined in section 1002 of this title) by—(i) the Secretary pursuant to subpart 2 of part H of subchapter IV; or(ii) a Federal agency, State government, or other organization or association that recognizes accrediting agencies or associations.(6) Disability

The term “disability” has the same meaning given that term under section 12102(2) of title 42.

(7) Distance education(A) In generalExcept as otherwise provided, the term “distance education” means education that uses one or more of the technologies described in subparagraph (B)—(i) to deliver instruction to students who are separated from the instructor; and(ii) to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the instructor, synchronously or asynchronously.(B) InclusionsFor the purposes of subparagraph (A), the technologies used may include—(i) the Internet;(ii) one-way and two-way transmissions through open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite, or wireless communications devices;(iii) audio conferencing; or(iv) video cassettes, DVDs, and CD–ROMs, if the cassettes, DVDs, or CD–ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with any of the technologies listed in clauses (i) through (iii).(8) Early childhood education programThe term “early childhood education program” means—(A) a Head Start program or an Early Head Start program carried out under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.), including a migrant or seasonal Head Start program, an Indian Head Start program, or a Head Start program or an Early Head Start program that also receives State funding;(B) a State licensed or regulated child care program; or(C) a program that—(i) serves children from birth through age six that addresses the children’s cognitive (including language, early literacy, and early mathematics), social, emotional, and physical development; and(ii) is—(I) a State prekindergarten program;(II) a program authorized under section 619 [20 U.S.C. 1419] or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [20 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.]; or(III) a program operated by a local educational agency.(9) Elementary school

The term “elementary school” has the same meaning given that term under section 7801 of this title.

(10) Gifted and talented

The term “gifted and talented” has the same meaning given that term under section 7801 of this title.

(11) Local educational agency

The term “local educational agency” has the same meaning given that term under section 7801 of this title.

(12) New borrower

The term “new borrower” when used with respect to any date means an individual who on that date has no outstanding balance of principal or interest owing on any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under subchapter IV.

(13) Nonprofit

The term “nonprofit” as applied to a school, agency, organization, or institution means a school, agency, organization, or institution owned and operated by one or more nonprofit corporations or associations, no part of the net earnings of which inures, or may lawfully inure, to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.

(14) Poverty line

The term “poverty line” means the poverty line (as defined in section 9902(2) of title 42) applicable to a family of the size involved.

(15) School or department of divinityThe term “school or department of divinity” means an institution, or a department or a branch of an institution, the program of instruction of which is designed for the education of students—(A) to prepare the students to become ministers of religion or to enter upon some other religious vocation (or to provide continuing training for any such vocation); or(B) to prepare the students to teach theological subjects.(16) Secondary school

The term “secondary school” has the same meaning given that term under section 7801 of this title.

(17) Secretary

The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Education.

(18) Service-learning

The term “service-learning” has the same meaning given that term under section 12511(23) 11 See References in Text note below. of title 42.

(19) Special education teacher

The term “special education teacher” means teachers who teach children with disabilities as defined in section 602 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

(20) State educational agency

The term “State educational agency” has the same meaning given that term under section 7801 of this title.

(21) State; Freely Associated States(A) State

The term “State” includes, in addition to the several States of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Freely Associated States.

(B) Freely Associated States

The term “Freely Associated States” means the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

(22) State higher education agency

The term “State higher education agency” means the officer or agency primarily responsible for the State supervision of higher education.

(23) Universal design

The term “universal design” has the meaning given the term in section 3002 of title 29.

(24) Universal design for learningThe term “universal design for learning” means a scientifically valid framework for guiding educational practice that—(A) provides flexibility in the ways information is presented, in the ways students respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills, and in the ways students are engaged; and(B) reduces barriers in instruction, provides appropriate accommodations, supports, and challenges, and maintains high achievement expectations for all students, including students with disabilities and students who are limited English proficient.(Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 103, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title I, § 101(a), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1589; amended Pub. L. 107–110, title X, § 1076(g), Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 2091; Pub. L. 110–315, title I, § 103(a), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3086; Pub. L. 114–95, title IX, § 9215(oo)(1), Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 2177.)Editorial NotesReferences in Text

Section 212(d) of the Education for Economic Security Act, referred to in par. (3), is section 212(d) of title II of Pub. L. 98–377, Aug. 11, 1984, 98 Stat. 1282, which was classified to section 3972(d) of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 100–297, title II, § 2303, Apr. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 324.

The Head Start Act, referred to in par. (8)(A), is subchapter B (§ 635 et seq.) of chapter 8 of subtitle A of title VI of Pub. L. 97–35, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 499, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§ 9831 et seq.) of chapter 105 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 9801 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, referred to in par. (8)(C)(ii)(II), is title VI of Pub. L. 91–230, Apr. 13, 1970, 84 Stat. 175. Part C of the Act is classified generally to subchapter III (§ 1431 et seq.) of chapter 33 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1400 of this title and Tables.

Section 12511(23) of title 42, referred to in par. (18), was redesignated section 12511(40) by Pub. L. 111–13, title I, § 1102(b)(1), Apr. 21, 2009, 123 Stat. 1467.

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 1141(b) of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–244.

A prior section 1003, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 103, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title I, § 101, July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 459; amended Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(a)(1), Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2457, related to authority to make grants under the school, college, and university partnership grant program, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–244.

Another prior section 1003, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 103, as added Pub. L. 99–498, title I, § 101, Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1279, related to limitation on contract authority, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 102–325.

Another prior section 1003, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 103, as added Pub. L. 96–374, title I, § 101(a), Oct. 3, 1980, 94 Stat. 1375, related to duties of the Commission on National Development in Postsecondary Education, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 99–498.

Another prior section 1003, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 103, Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1219; Pub. L. 92–318, title I, § 102(a)(2), June 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 237; Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(b)(2), (g)(2), Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2084, 2086; Pub. L. 95–43, § 1(a)(1), June 15, 1977, 91 Stat. 213; Pub. L. 96–96, § 1, Oct. 31, 1979, 93 Stat. 729, provided for the allotment of funds to States, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 96–374.

A prior section 1004, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 104, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title I, § 101, July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 460; amended Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(a)(2), Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2457, related to grant applications, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–244.

Another prior section 1004, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 104, as added Pub. L. 96–374, title I, § 101(a), Oct. 3, 1980, 94 Stat. 1376, related to administrative provisions and powers of Commission on National Development in Postsecondary Education, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 99–498.

Another prior section 1004, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 104, Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1220; Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(b)(3), Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2084; Pub. L. 95–43, § 1(a)(2), June 15, 1977, 91 Stat. 213, described the allowable uses of States’ allotments of funds, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 96–374.

A prior section 1005, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 105, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title I, § 101, July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 461, related to peer review of applications, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–244.

Another prior section 1005, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 105, as added Pub. L. 96–374, title I, § 101(a), Oct. 3, 1980, 94 Stat. 1377, authorized appropriations, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 99–498.

Another prior section 1005, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 105, Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1220; Pub. L. 90–575, title II, § 202, Oct. 16, 1968, 82 Stat. 1036; Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(b)(4)–(10), (g)(2), Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2084–2086; Pub. L. 95–43, § 1(a)(3), (b)(1), (2), June 15, 1977, 91 Stat. 213, 218, set out the requisite features of State plans, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 96–374.

A prior section 1005a, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 106, as added Pub. L. 92–318, title I, § 102(a)(1), June 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 237; amended Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(g)(2), Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2086, provided for special programs and projects relating to national and regional problems, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 96–374.

A prior section 1006, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 106, as added Pub. L. 102–325, title I, § 101, July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 461, authorized appropriations, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–244.

Another prior section 1006, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 107, formerly § 106, Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1221; Pub. L. 90–575, title II, § 203(a), Oct. 16, 1968, 82 Stat. 1036, renumbered Pub. L. 92–318, title I, § 102(a)(1), June 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 236, and amended Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(c), (g)(2), Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2085, 2086, related to payment and method of payment of funds, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 96–374.

Prior sections 1007 to 1010 were omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 96–374.

Section 1007, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 108, formerly § 107, Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1222, renumbered Pub. L. 92–318, title I, § 102(a)(1), June 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 236, and amended Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(g)(2), Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2086, related to disapproval of State plans, notice and hearing, findings of Commissioner of Education, and notification to State of noneligibility.

Section 1008, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 109, formerly § 108, Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1222, renumbered Pub. L. 92–318, title I, § 102(a)(1), June 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 236, and amended Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(d), Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2085, provided for judicial review of actions of Commissioner of Education and scope of that review.

Section 1008a, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 110, as added Pub. L. 93–29, title VIII, § 803, May 3, 1973, 87 Stat. 59, and amended Pub. L. 94–135, title II, § 201, Nov. 28, 1975, 89 Stat. 726; Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(g)(2), Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2086, provided for programs and projects relating to problems of the elderly.

Section 1008b, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 111, as added Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(e), Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2085, related to technical assistance and administration.

Section 1009, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 112, formerly § 109, Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1223; Pub. L. 91–230, title IV, § 401(h)(4), Apr. 13, 1970, 84 Stat. 174, renumbered § 110, Pub. L. 92–318, title I, § 102(a)(1), June 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 236, renumbered § 111, Pub. L. 93–29, title VIII, § 803, May 3, 1973, 87 Stat. 59; Pub. L. 93–380, title VIII, § 831, Aug. 21, 1974, 88 Stat. 603; Pub. L. 93–644, § 9(a), Jan. 4, 1975, 88 Stat. 2310, renumbered § 112 and amended Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(e), (f)(1), (g)(2), Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2085, 2086; 1977 Reorg. Plan No. 2, § 7(a)(13), 42 F.R. 62461, 91 Stat. 1637, provided for creation of a National Advisory Council on Extension and Continuing Education.

Section 1010, Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 113, formerly § 110, Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1224, renumbered § 111, Pub. L. 92–318, title I, § 102(a)(1), June 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 236, renumbered § 112, Pub. L. 93–29, title VIII, § 803, May 3, 1973, 87 Stat. 59, renumbered § 113 and amended Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(e), (f)(2), Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2085, 2086, directed that nothing in the section be held to modify any authority under the Smith-Lever Act, section 341 et seq. of Title 7, Agriculture.

Amendments

2015—Pars. (9) to (11), (16). Pub. L. 114–95, § 9215(oo)(1)(A)–(D), made technical amendments to references in original act which appear in text as references to section 7801 of this title.

Par. (20). Pub. L. 114–95, § 9215(oo)(1)(E), which directed technical amendment in par. (21) to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 7801 of this title, was executed by making the amendment in par. (20), to reflect the probable intent of Congress. The reference did not appear in par. (21).

2008—Pub. L. 110–315, § 103(a)(2), reordered pars. in alphabetical order based on headings of pars. and renumbered pars. as so reordered, resulting in pars. (1) to (22) being redesignated as (2), (4), (6), (9) to (13), (15) to (20), (22), (21), (1), (3), (7), (5), (8), and (14), respectively.

Pars. (17) to (24). Pub. L. 110–315, § 103(a)(1), added pars. (17) to (24).

2002—Pars. (4) to (6), (10), (14). Pub. L. 107–110 substituted “7801” for “8801”.

Statutory Notes and Related SubsidiariesChange of Name

Committee on Education and Labor of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Education and the Workforce of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2023.

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–95 effective Dec. 10, 2015, except with respect to certain noncompetitive programs and competitive programs, see section 5 of Pub. L. 114–95, set out as a note under section 6301 of this title.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–110 effective Jan. 8, 2002, except with respect to certain noncompetitive programs and competitive programs, see section 5 of Pub. L. 107–110, set out as an Effective Date note under section 6301 of this title.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 6 cases (2 in the last 5 years), 2000–2024 · leading case: Grand Canyon Univ. v. Miguel Cardona, 121 F.4th 717 (9th Cir. 2024).

Sort: Relevance Newest Treatment

Grand Canyon Univ. v. Miguel Cardona, 121 F.4th 717 (9th Cir. 2024). · cites it 8× “20 U.S.C. § 1003 (13). The Department’s regulations track this statutory definition, but also add the further requirements that the school must be “authorized to operate as a nonprofit organization” under applicable state law and must qualify as a tax-exempt organization under §…”

Touro Coll. v. Novus Univ. Corp., 2017 NY Slip Op 546 (N.Y. App. Div. 2017). “(Novus) are “diploma mills” as defined in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, 20 USC § 1003 , or in a standard dictionary.”

Sistema Universitario Ana G. Mendez v. Riley, 234 F.3d 772 (1st Cir. 2000). “20 U.S.C. § 1003 (16). 4 . Sistema argues that the first district judge held that in 1992 the Commonwealth did license the PROSEE program and all of its sixty locations, and that because the Secretary did not appeal this ruling, which of course remanded the matter to the agency,…”

Eicherv. McDonald (Vet. App. 2017). “9505 (deferring to similar definition in 20 U.S.C. § 1003 (7)). B. The Board's Decision 6 In the decision on appeal, the Board explained that the appellant was not enrolled in a standard degree program at an institution accredited by an agency or association recognized for that…”

James S. Eicher v. David J. Shulkin (Vet. App. 2017). “9505 (deferring to similar definition in 20 U.S.C. § 1003 (7)). 2. The Board's Decision In the decision on appeal, the Board explained that the appellant was not enrolled in a standard degree program at an institution accredited by an agency or association recognized for that…”

Grand Canyon Univ. v. Miguel Cardona (9th Cir. 2022). “2 (defining a HEA § 101 nonprofit); see also HEA § 103(13), 20 U.S.C. § 1003 (13) (same). In 2019, and again in 2021, the Department determined that GCU failed to satisfy the definition of a “nonprofit” IHE under the HEA.”

Annotations are extracted automatically from the opinions in the Syfert caselaw corpus and ranked by authority, recency, and treatment. Dots show Syfertize treatment of the citing case itself.