NC - SARA

For out-of-state degree-seeking students

About NC-SARA

The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) is a private, nonprofit organization that coordinates the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). SARA is a nationwide agreement that establishes consistent standards for offering distance education programs across state lines.

NC-SARA works in collaboration with four regional higher education compacts — the Midwestern Higher Education Compact, New England Board of Higher Education, Southern Regional Education Board, and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. Together, they support participating states and institutions as they implement SARA and carry out SARA-related responsibilities.

NC-SARA also facilitates communication and information sharing among the regional compacts, member states, and participating institutions regarding SARA participation, compliance, and policies.

 

The Value of NC-SARA

Participation in SARA benefits students in several important ways:

• Supports quality in distance education nationwide.

  SARA establishes shared standards and expectations for participating institutions.

• Makes it easier to enroll across state lines.

  Students can pursue online programs offered by participating institutions in other SARA member states without additional state authorization barriers.

• Improves oversight and accountability.

  SARA provides a clear framework for institutional compliance and student protection.

• Enhances coordination among states.

  States work together to ensure consistent policies for distance education.

• Reduces duplication and unnecessary bureaucracy.

  By streamlining authorization processes, SARA reduces administrative burden and associated costs for institutions and states.

• Promotes transparency in out-of-state learning experiences.

  SARA supports reporting and coordination related to clinical placements, internships, practica, and practice teaching completed outside an institution’s home state.

• Creates efficiencies that benefit institutions and states.

  By reducing duplicative state authorization processes, SARA helps states and institutions use resources more effectively.

What Our Participation in NC-SARA Means for Students

As a participating institution in NC-SARA, our college is authorized to offer approved online programs and courses to students who reside in other SARA member states. This means that our students can enroll in our distance education programs with confidence that we meet consistent, nationally recognized standards for quality, oversight, and consumer protection. Our participation also reflects our commitment to compliance, transparency, and accountability in serving students both in our home state and across the country.

 

Student Complaint Process

Students are encouraged to review our Student Grievance Policy for detailed information about procedures, timelines, and available resources.

Every student deserves a positive educational experience. If you have a concern or complaint, we encourage you to first work directly with the college so we can review the matter and seek a prompt and fair resolution.

Under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), student complaints related to consumer protection provisions — including concerns about dishonest or fraudulent activity or misleading information — must first be filed with the institution.

If a complaint cannot be resolved through the college’s established processes, students may then contact our home state’s SARA State Portal Entity. SARA requires the home state, through its designated portal agency, to review and investigate qualifying complaints involving SARA-participating institutions. To learn more about the complaint process, please visit: SARA Student Complaint Process

The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) maintains a directory of SARA State Portal Entities to help students identify the appropriate agency to contact if needed.  To access the Arkansas SARA State Portal Entity, please visit: SARA State Portal Entity Contacts

Arkansas SARA Student Complaint Process

After students have completed the institution’s complain process, students can complete the student grievance form on the Arkansas Department of Higher Education website.  Access Grievance Form Here

 

Important for Students Considering Licensure Programs

If you are enrolling in an online program that is designed to lead to professional licensure (such as teaching, nursing, counseling, or other regulated professions), you should contact the appropriate licensing agency in the state where you plan to seek licensure before beginning your program.

While the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) allows institutions to offer distance education across state lines, it does not grant reciprocity for state professional licensing requirements. Each state establishes its own licensure standards, and graduates must meet the specific requirements of the state in which they intend to become licensed.

We encourage students who intend to enroll in programs that lead to professional licensure to: