Definitions of proprietary institutions by various states, the degree-granting powers of these institutions, and the authority of state agencies to approve degree programs and to license them were investigated. Forty-three states and Puerto Rico responded to the survey (nonresponding states were Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming). In general, it was found that states define proprietary institutions as private educational institutions organized "for profit." In most states, "for-profit" institutions are eligible to confer degrees. Few of the total number of eligible schools in a state, however, actually confer degrees. State Higher Education Executive Officers agencies usually are responsible for granting the authority to confer degrees, and are are also responsible for administering state laws, regulations, and standards respective to the nonpublic "nonprofit" postsecondary institutions. The State Departments of Education usually have responsibility for licensing these institutions. State licensing and/or degree-authorizing agencies for each state are identified. In addition, state definitions of proprietary institutions and state statutes and rules are included, and survey respondents are listed. A questionnaire is appended. (SW)