The Degree-Granting Institutions Act, chapter 28B.85 RCW requires that degree-granting institutions operating in Washington obtain authorization from the Washington student achievement council, unless specifically exempted from the authorization requirement by the act. This chapter is declared by the council as a supplement to the act in order to establish necessary regulations for the authorization of degree-granting institutions.

The purpose of the act is to ensure fair business practices and adequate quality among degree-granting institutions operating in the state of Washington and to protect citizens against substandard, fraudulent, and deceptive practices.