State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement is a voluntary agreement among member states that allows an institution authorized in its home state to offer distance education to students located in other member states without obtaining separate authorization from each of those states.
How it works
An institution obtains or maintains authorization in its home state, applies for SARA participation, and pays the applicable fees. Once approved, it may advertise and enroll students in other SARA states for distance education programs. It must still provide required licensure disclosures and comply with any SARA-specific data-reporting or complaint-resolution procedures.
Example: a university in a SARA member state launches an online master’s program. Students living in other SARA states can enroll without the university securing individual authorization from each of those states. A student living in a non-member state still requires separate authorization.
How it differs
Individual state authorization is the direct approval process SARA is designed to streamline. Institutional accreditation is a separate requirement. SARA does not grant authority to operate physical campuses or to conduct certain experiential learning activities in other states.
Common errors
Assuming SARA membership eliminates all state-level obligations, including licensure disclosures. Enrolling students in non-member states without separate authorization. Treating SARA approval as a substitute for Title IV certification or accreditation.
References
- 1. NC-SARA overviewReciprocity for distance education
- 2. Federal state authorization rules and reciprocityRecognition of reciprocity agreements
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement is a voluntary agreement among member states that allows an institution authorized in its home state to offer distance education to students located in other member states without obtaining separate authorization from each of those states.