Effective January 27, 1978, the council for postsecondary education was designated, by Executive Order 78-2, the state approving agency for academic schools, colleges and universities, both public and private, pursuant to Public Law 89-358 (Title 38, U.S. Code, subsection 1771(a)).

As the state approving agency, the council for postsecondary education is responsible, for inspection and supervision, in connection with federal veterans education requirements, of academic institutions operating in Washington and for determining those courses of study which may be approved for the enrollment of veterans and other eligible persons. The council, as state approving agency, is also responsible for ascertaining whether a school at all times complies with its established standards relating to the course or courses of study which have been approved (Title 38, U.S. Code, sections 1772 and 1773).

In reviewing institutions accredited by an agency or association included on the list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies or associations, published by the United States Commissioner of Education, the council for postsecondary education shall apply the standards contained in section 1775, chapter 36, Title 38, U.S. Code as implemented by VA Regulation 14253 and published in the policies and procedures manual of the state approving agency.

In reviewing institutions not accredited by an agency or association included on the list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies or associations, published by the United States Commissioner of Education, the council for postsecondary education shall apply the standards contained in section 1776, chapter 36, Title 38, U.S. Code as implemented by VA Regulation 14254 and published in the policies and procedures manual of the state approving agency.

The policies observed and the procedures followed by the council for postsecondary education in discharging its responsibilities as state approving agency shall be those published and distributed to all affected institutions in the policies and procedures manual for the Veterans Education Program Unit consistent with chapter 36, Title 38, U.S. Code as implemented by the relevant VA regulations.