How to Successfully Close an Institution

Few institutions consider closure while focusing on daily operations, yet unplanned institution closures can disrupt or derail a student’s education. Careful planning is essential.
California law and regulations require institutions to notify the Bureau at least 30 days before closing and submit a separate closure plan for each campus type (e.g., Main, Branch, or Satellite). A closure plan form with required details is linked below.
This guide helps institutions close responsibly and comply with state law and regulations. It focuses on California state requirements only; other regulators or accrediting agencies may have additional requirements not addressed here.
This summary highlights key points but does not replace a full review of relevant laws.

Key Resources

Private Postsecondary Education Act, Article 15: Orderly Institutional Closure and Teach-Outs (California Education Code sections 94926-94927.5)
Title 5, California Code of Regulations section 76240: Required Notices and Closure Plan.

Closure Reporting Forms and Samples: