For a full definition, refer to Section 101 and 102 of the Higher Education Act. A brief summary of the definition is as follows:

An Institution of Higher Education is a school that:

• Awards a bachelor’s degree or not less than a 2 year program that provides credit towards a degree or,
• Provides not less than 1 year of training towards gainful employment or,
• Is a vocational program that provides training for gainful employment and has been in existence for at least two years.

And must meet all three of the following criteria:

• Admits as regular students only persons with a high school diploma or equivalent; or admits as regular students persons who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance
• Public, Private, or Non-Profit
• Accredited or pre accredited and is authorized to operate in that state