Where HCI is authorized to operate.
Below: our accreditation status, state authorizations, and the timeline for federal aid eligibility. We publish this transparently because the only way to evaluate a school’s legitimacy is to see the credentials.
Active candidacy with ABHES.
HCI is in active accreditation candidacy with the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Below: current status across the relevant accrediting and authorizing bodies.
Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
HCI is in active candidacy. ABHES is the recognized accrediting body for health education schools in the United States, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Once granted, ABHES accreditation unlocks Title IV federal financial aid (Pell Grants, Direct Loans) for HCI students.
Candidate StatusU.S. Department of Education — Title IV
Title IV eligibility (Pell Grants, Direct Loans, federal work-study) requires full institutional accreditation. HCI’s Title IV application will be submitted upon ABHES grant.
In the interim: scholarships, employer reimbursement, military & veteran benefits, and 0% in-house payment plans cover tuition.
Pending AccreditationTexas Workforce Commission
HCI is authorized by the Texas Workforce Commission to operate as a career school in the state of Texas. This authorization covers all 8 programs offered to Texas residents.
AuthorizedNC-SARA (Reciprocity Agreement)
HCI is a participating institution in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which authorizes us to offer distance education to residents of all member states.
Member InstitutionState authorization map.
Through NC-SARA reciprocity and direct state authorizations, HCI can enroll students from 49 of 50 states. California has its own authorization process which is currently pending.
Accreditation questions.
What does “accreditation candidacy” mean?
Candidacy is the formal pre-accreditation status awarded by ABHES once a school has met initial review thresholds. It signals the institution is being actively evaluated and is on the path to full accreditation. Final accreditation typically follows 12–24 months after candidacy approval.
Is my HCI credential valid before full accreditation?
Yes. Certificates and diplomas issued during candidacy are recognized by employers and licensing boards in your state. The credential itself is not contingent on Title IV eligibility — only federal aid disbursement is.
When will federal aid become available?
Title IV federal aid eligibility requires full ABHES accreditation, which is the next step after candidacy. We’ll publish updates here as the timeline progresses. In the interim, the four funding paths on the Tuition page cover the gap.
Can I transfer HCI credits to a degree program later?
Many community colleges and bachelor’s programs accept HCI credits for stackable credentials — especially for the Healthcare Administrator and PA Prep tracks. Specific transferability depends on the receiving institution’s articulation policies. Career services helps map these pathways.
Get the full accreditation packet.
Detailed accreditation documentation, state authorization letters, and consumer disclosure forms are available on request. Contact admissions or use the form on the contact page.