State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement States: What You Need to Know
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an initiative designed to streamline the process of approving and offering distance education programs across state lines. Under this agreement, institutions that are based in one state can offer online programs to students in other participating states without having to seek separate approval from each state.
Currently, there are 49 member states and territories in the SARA agreement, with the exception of California. Institutions located in SARA member states are automatically eligible to apply for SARA membership and offer distance education programs to students in other SARA member states.
SARA member states are committed to ensuring the quality of distance education programs, as well as to protecting students from fraudulent or subpar institutions. Institutions that are part of SARA are required to meet certain standards and undergo regular reviews to ensure they are providing quality educational programs.
In addition to providing greater access to online education programs, SARA also offers benefits to institutions. By eliminating the need to seek approval from each state, institutions can save time and money on the approval process. Institutions can also benefit from increased student enrollment and revenue by offering programs to students in multiple states.
While SARA has made it easier for institutions to offer online programs across state lines, there are still some limitations. Institutions must still comply with the regulations of each state in which they offer programs, including state-specific licensing requirements. Institutions must also be aware of and comply with any state-specific consumer protection laws.
In summary, SARA member states have agreed to work together to simplify the process of offering online education programs to students across state lines. Institutions located in SARA member states can apply for membership and offer distance education programs to students in other SARA member states while ensuring quality and protecting students. However, institutions must still comply with state-specific regulations and consumer protection laws, and California is currently not a member of the SARA agreement.