The document summarizes the results of a national survey conducted by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) on state authorization practices. The survey identified state regulatory agencies in all 50 states and 9 U.S. territories, collected information on state laws and processes regarding authorization of postsecondary institutions, and analyzed key findings. There was found to be huge variation across states in authorization practices, with differences in requirements around accreditation, physical presence, exemptions, fees and complaint processes. National standards on authorization were deemed unlikely given the inconsistencies between states.