Overview

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, commonly known as SARA, is a nationwide initiative designed to streamline the process for colleges and universities to offer online and distance education across state lines. By participating in SARA, institutions can provide online programs to students in other SARA member states without needing separate state authorizations. The agreement is administered by the National Council for SARA (NC-SARA) and is implemented at the state level through regional compact agreements.

Benefits of SARA for Institutions and Students

SARA simplifies regulatory requirements for institutions by reducing the administrative burden of obtaining separate approvals in multiple states. It also ensures that students receive consistent consumer protection regardless of their location. Institutions benefit from cost savings, regulatory clarity, and the ability to expand their online education programs easily. Students benefit from improved access to accredited programs, greater transparency in tuition and fees, and a standardized process for handling complaints across participating states.

Eligibility Requirements for SARA Approval

To participate in SARA, an institution must meet the following key criteria:

Be a degree-granting institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.
Be authorized to operate in its home state and hold approval from the state’s SARA portal entity.
Meet financial stability requirements, including a minimum federal financial responsibility composite score of 1.5 or higher.
Have a clear student complaint resolution process that aligns with SARA policies.

Step-by-Step Process for SARA Application

Complete the NC-SARA Institutional Application: Institutions must fill out the standardized NC-SARA application form, which includes attestations of compliance with SARA policies.
Gather Required Documentation: Applicants must provide proof of state authorization, accreditation verification, financial responsibility scores, and student complaint policies.
Submit Application to the State SARA Portal Entity: Institutions must submit their application and supporting materials to their designated state portal entity for review and approval.
Pay the Required Fees: Once state approval is granted, institutions must pay the NC-SARA participation fee based on their enrollment size.
Finalize Registration with NC-SARA: Upon successful payment, the institution is added to the official list of SARA-approved institutions and can begin offering online education to students in other SARA states.

Compliance Obligations Under SARA

Institutions participating in SARA must adhere to specific compliance requirements, including:

Annual renewal of SARA membership and payment of associated fees.
Maintaining accreditation and financial stability throughout participation.
Providing clear disclosure of professional licensure requirements for programs that lead to professional certification.
Establishing a transparent process for handling student complaints and cooperating with state SARA portal entities when resolving disputes.
Reporting annual enrollment data related to out-of-state students engaged in distance learning.

List of States Participating in SARA

Currently, 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are participants in SARA. California is the only state that is not a member. This allows institutions approved for SARA to offer distance education in all participating states without needing to seek additional authorization from each individual state.

Fees and Timeline for SARA Membership

SARA fees depend on institutional enrollment and encompass both state and national fees. The annual participation fees for NC-SARA range from $2,000 to over $8,000, depending on the number of full-time enrolled students. The timeline for SARA approval varies; however, institutions can typically complete the process within a few months if all necessary documentation is correctly prepared and submitted promptly.

Why Work with the Accreditation Expert Consulting?

Navigating the SARA approval process can be complex, especially for institutions new to state authorization requirements. Accreditation Expert Consultants provide specialized support to help institutions prepare applications, ensure compliance with SARA policies, and maintain ongoing membership requirements. With expert guidance, institutions can efficiently secure SARA approval and expand their online education programs nationwide.

If your institution is considering SARA membership, contact Accreditation Expert Consultants today for expert assistance in streamlining the application process and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.