(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, ORS § 348.594 to 348.615 apply to all schools that operate in this state.

(2) ORS § 348.594 to 348.615 do not apply to:

(a) A school, or a separately accredited campus of a school, if the school:

(A) Is a nonprofit school that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(B) Prior to July 14, 2005, conferred degrees in this state under the same control for at least 10 consecutive years; and

(C) Has received institutional accreditation from a post-secondary accrediting agency as defined in ORS § 348.594;

(b) A school that, on July 14, 2005, was a school that met the criteria and followed procedures to obtain an exemption adopted by rule by the Oregon Student Access Commission; or

(c) A school that received a religious exemption under ORS § 348.604.

(3) The Higher Education Coordinating Commission shall issue a separate license to issue degrees to each school that meets the requirements for exemption from evaluation by the commission set forth in subsection (2)(a) of this section. The license shall remain in effect if the school continues to meet the requirements of subsection (2)(a) of this section. [2005 c.546 § 1; 2007 c.325 § 4; 2009 c.172 § 1; 2011 c.353 § 1; 2011 c.637 § 178; 2016 c.30 § 3; 2023 c.557 § 8]

348.597, 348.604, 348.605, 348.607 and 348.608 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS Chapter 348 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

[1997 c.652 § 7; 1999 c.704 § 15; repealed by 2011 c.637 § 291a]

[Formerly 351.675; repealed by 1977 c.725 § 11]