Section 312.5 - Regional Innovation Strategies Program definitionsIn addition to the defined terms set forth in subpart A of this part, the following term applies specifically to the RIS Program:
Institution of higher education means:
(1) An educational institution in any State that- (i) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, or persons who meet the requirements of 20 U.S.C. 1091(d) ;(ii) Is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary education;(iii) Provides an educational program for which the institution awards a bachelor's degree or provides not less than a 2-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree, or awards a degree that is acceptable for admission to a graduate or professional degree program, subject to review and approval by the Secretary of Education; and(iv) Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association, or if not so accredited, is an institution that has been granted preaccreditation status by such an agency or association that has been recognized by the Secretary of Education for the granting of preaccreditation status, and the Secretary of Education has determined that there is satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the accreditation standards of such an agency or association within a reasonable time.(2)Additional institutions included. For purposes of this subpart, the term Institution of higher education also includes- (i) Any school that provides not less than a 1-year program of training to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation and that meets the provisions of paragraphs (1)(i), (ii), and (iv) of this definition; and(ii) An educational institution in any State that, in lieu of the requirement in paragraph (1)(i) of this definition, admits as regular students individuals- (A) Who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the State in which the institution is located; or(B) Who will be dually or concurrently enrolled in the institution and a secondary school.