State Authorization
State Authorization Rules
On October 29, 2010, the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) released new program integrity regulations. One of the regulations focused on the need for an institution offering distance or correspondence education to acquire authorization from any outside state in which it operates. An institution is required to demonstrate efforts to comply in each state in which it serves students, and states expect that institutions already be in compliance with their regulations before serving any students in those states.
What This Means
Before accepting enrollments for online and correspondence courses from students residing outside of Texas who are not planning on relocating to Texas, Texas State must be in compliance with the distance learning regulations of the states in which students reside.
Texas State Joins NC-SARA
Effective March 22, 2016, Texas State University has been approved by the State of Texas to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. NC-SARA is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories that establish comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. NC-SARA makes it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state.
States from Which Texas State May Accept Enrollments
Because of the NC-SARA membership, as well as authorizations previously obtained from individual states and ongoing compliance with applicable state authorization rules, Texas State is now able to accept student enrollments for online and distance education courses from students who reside in all states. For a complete list of the NC-SARA approved schools, visit the NC-SARA Institution Directory.
Internships or Practicums Not Authorized in Alabama
However, Alabama does not authorize programs requiring an internship or practicum, so students from Alabama may not enroll in an online degree program that requires an internship or practicum that takes place in Alabama.
If you are a resident of Alabama or you have questions about Texas State's approval to enroll students from your state, please contact distanceed@txstate.edu to inquire about the current status of your state with regard to this USDOE state authorization requirement.
Compliance Documentation
To view documentation of Texas State's compliance with state rules outside of NC-SARA, download Texas State's comprehensive State Compliance Documentation (download Adobe's free PDF reader if you need it). For state-by-state information on compliance including NC-SARA, select the state name in the drop-down menu below.
Licensure
Prospective students who reside outside of the state of Texas and who are interested in any online Texas State University academic program which may lead to professional licensure are expected to inquire with the appropriate licensing agency in their home state, prior to beginning the program in order to assure that the program is approved to provide the desired licensure.
Additional Information
Please note that Texas State is not authorized to conduct internships leading to professional licensure without direct coordination with the licensure board in that state.
If you wish to enroll in a distance education program that requires an internship/practicum/clinical leading towards licensures, please first contact the Texas State Office of Distance and Extended Learning, to ensure accuracy of applicable licensure requirements. Please refer to Professional Licensure.
States
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Alabama (NC-SARA Member)
According to Alabama’s state authorization requirements, any activity by an out-of-state institution triggers compliance with Alabama’s state authorization requirements. Institutions providing merely online distance education and operating in Alabama under the provisions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), activity is restricted only to the online instructional delivery of programs. As such, any internship/externship/clinical experience associated with program completion triggers a physical presence that requires compliance with Alabama’s state authorization requirements.
If you are a resident of Alabama or you have questions about Texas State's approval to enroll students from your state, please contact distanceed@txstate.edu to inquire about the current status of your state with regard to this USDOE state authorization requirement.
Student Complaint Process:
Alabama Commission on Higher Education
P.O. Box 302000
Montgomery, AL 36130-2000
334.353.9153
Complaint Form: https://ache.edu/ACHE_Reports/Forms/SARA/StudentComp.pdf
Alabama SARA State Portal Entity:
Alabama Commission on Higher Education
100 North Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
334.242.2211
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Alaska (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Alaska does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA’s policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education
PO Box 110505
Juneau, AK 99811-0505
https://acpe.alaska.gov/ConsumerProtection
Complaint Form Request: EED.ACPE-IA@alaska.gov.
Alaska SARA State Portal Entity:
Alaska Commission on Post-Secondary Education
P.O. Box 110505
Juneau, AK 99811-11050
907.465.6741
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Arizona (NC-SARA Member)
Texas State University is exempt from licensure as a public institution through the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education who do not require public institutions to be authorized. The Arizona State Board would require licensure of distance education programs in the event the institution establishes a physical presence in the state of Arizona, i.e., use of any Arizona address, Arizona phone numbers, contact information of anyone listing an Arizona address or program offerings in Arizona as defined by A.R.S.§32-3001(5).
Student Complaint Process:
Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education
1740 W. Adams
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602.542.5709
https://azsara.arizona.edu/complaints
Complaint Form: https://azsara.arizona.edu/complaints
Arizona SARA State Portal Entity:
Arizona SARA Council
2323 W. 14th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
480.517.8226
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Arkansas (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Arkansas does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA’s policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Arkansas Department of Higher Education
114 East Capitol Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72201
501.371.2000
http://www.adhe.edu/students-parents/colleges-universites/student-grievance-form
Complaint Form: https://www.adhe.edu/institutions/academic-affairs/institutional-certification-advisory-committee/grievance-form
Arkansas SARA State Portal Entity:
Arkansas Department of Higher Education
423 Main Street, Suite 400
Little Rock, AR 72201
501.371.2060
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California
The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education does not regulate out-of-state public institutions. Internships/practicums are not considered a physical presence and would not need approval from the Bureau nor register as an out-of-state institution.
The state of California does not have a student complaint process applicable to out-of-state public institutions. The student complaints should be filed under the state’s postsecondary agency the school originated in. California is a non-participant of NC-SARA.
Student Complaint Process:
California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education
P.O. Box 980918
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818
916.574.8900 or 888.370.7589
https://www.bppe.ca.gov/enforcement/complaint.shtml
Complaint Form: https://connect.bppe.ca.gov/#/submitcomplaint
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Colorado (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Colorado does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Important Note about Internships/Practicums/Clinicals in Colorado:
Because there are instances in which students are participating in internships/practicums/clinicals, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment requires any placed student to carry Workers’ Compensation coverage. Please contact the Texas State University program director for detailed information.
Student Complaint Process:
Colorado Department of Higher Education
1560 Broadway, Suite 1600
Denver, CO 80202
303.862.3001
https://cdhe.colorado.gov/filing-student-complaint
Colorado SARA State Portal Entity:
Colorado Department of Higher Education
1600 Broadway, Suite 2200
Denver, CO 80202
303.862.3005
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Connecticut (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Connecticut does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Connecticut Office of Higher Education
450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 510
Harford, CT 06103-1841
860.947.1800
http://www.ctohe.org/StudentComplaints.shtml
Complaint Form: PreliminaryComplaint.docx
Connecticut SARA State Portal Entity:
Office of Higher Education
450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 707
Hartford, CT 06103-1841
860.947.1837 or 860.947.1824
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Delaware (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Delaware does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Delaware Higher Education Office
The Townsend Building
401 Federal Street, Suite 2
Dover, DE 19901
302.735.4000
Complaint Form: DDOE-SARA-Student-Complaint-Form.docx
Delaware SARA State Portal Entity:
Delaware Department of Education
Delaware Higher Education Office
Townsend Building
401 Federal Street, Suite 2
Dover, DE 19901
302.735.4120
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District of Columbia (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the District of Columbia does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Office of the State Superintendent of Education
1050 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
202.727.6436
https://osse.dc.gov/service/higher-education-licensure-commission-helc-public-complaints
Complaint Form: HELC-Complaint-Form_ENGLISH.docx
District of Columbia SARA State Portal Entity:
Higher Education Licensure Commission
Postsecondary Education
Office of the State Superintendent of Education
1050 First St. NE, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20002
202.724.2095
http://osse.dc.gov/service/state-authorization-reciprocity-agreement-sara
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Florida (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Florida does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Florida Commission on Independent Education
325 W. Gaines St., Suite 1414
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
850.245.3238
https://www.fldoe.org/sara/complaint-process.stml
Florida SARA State Portal Entity:
Postsecondary Reciprocal Distance Education
325 W. Gaines St., Suite 1414
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
850.245.3200
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Georgia (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Georgia does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220
Tucker, GA 30084-5334
770.414.3300
https://gnpec.georgia.gov/ga-sara-student-complaint-rules
Complaint Form: https://gnpec.georgia.gov/webform/ga-sara-online-student-complaint-form
Georgia SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC)
2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220
Tucker, GA 30084
770.414.3210
https://gnpec.georgia.gov/state-authorization-reciprocity-agreement-sara
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Hawaii (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Hawaii does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Hawaii State Board of Education
PO Box 2360
Honolulu, HI 96804
808.586.7327
http://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/hpeap-sara-complaint-process/
Complaint Form: http://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/files/2013/08/Student-Complaint-Form.pdf
Hawaii SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Hawaii Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program (HPEAP)
Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box 541
Honolulu, HI 96809
808.586.7327
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Idaho (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Idaho does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA member institutions and who are compliant with SARA’s policies and standards.
Important Note about Internships/Practicums/Clinicals in Idaho:
SARA institutions are still required to be in compliance with Idaho’s professional trade boards and state licensure requirements. Therefore, if you wish to enroll in a Texas State program that would require a physical presence in the state of Idaho, please first contact the Texas State Office of Distance and Extended Learning [distanceed@txstate.edu], to ensure the program is in compliance with Idaho’s state authorization requirements.
Student Complaint Process:
Idaho State Board of Education
Attn: State Coordinator for Private Colleges and Proprietary Schools
650 W. State St.
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0037
208.334.2270
Complaint Form: Student-Complaint-Form-7-2020.docx
Idaho SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Idaho State Board of Education
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720
208.332.1587
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Illinois (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Illinois does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Illinois Board of Higher Education
431 E Adams, 2nd Floor
Springfield, IL 62701-1404
217.557.7359
Complaint Form: https://complaints.ibhe.org/register.aspx
Illinois SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Illinois Board of Higher Education
1 North Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333
Springfield, Illinois 62701-1377
217.557.7382
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Indiana (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Indiana does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Attn: Complaints
101 West Ohio Street, Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204-1984
317.464.4400
https://www.in.gov/che/2744.htm
Complaint Form: 161116_ICHE_StudentComplaintForm.pdf
Indiana SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Indiana Commission for Higher Education / Indiana Board for Proprietary Education
101 West Ohio Street, Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204-4206
317.232.1033
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Iowa (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Iowa does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Iowa Student Aid Commission
430 East Grand Ave, FL 3
Des Moines, IA 50309-1920
515.725.3400
https://iowacollegeaid.gov/StudentComplaintForm
Complaint Form: https://iowacollegeaid.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Br0hqNMto1FItT
Iowa SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Iowa College Aid
475 Southwest Fifth Street, Suite D
Des Moines, IA 50309
515.725.3426
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Kansas (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Kansas does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Kansas Board of Regents
1000 SW Jackson Street, Suite 520
Topeka, KS 66612-1368
785.430.4240
https://kansasregents.org/academic_affairs/private_out_of_state/complaint_process
Kansas SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Kansas Board of Regents
Academic Affairs
1000 Southwest Jackson, Suite 520
Topeka, KS 66612-1368
785.430.4288
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Kentucky (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Kentucky does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
1024 Capital Center Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601
502.573.1555
http://cpe.ky.gov/campuses/consumer_complaint.html
Complaint Form: http://cpe.ky.gov/campuses/complaintform
Kentucky SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
1024 Capital Center Drive, Suite 320
Frankfort, KY 40601
502.573.1555
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Louisiana (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Louisiana does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Louisiana Board of Regents
1201 N. Third St., Suite 6-200
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
225.342.4253
Complaint Form: https://www.regents.la.gov/assets/docs/2013/03/Board-of-Regents-SARA-Student-Complaint-Form.pdf
Louisiana SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Louisiana SARA State Portal Entity:
Louisiana Board of Regents
1201 North Third Street, Suite 6-200
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
225.342.4253
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Maine (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Maine does not require ay additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Maine Department of Education
Complaint Investigator
23 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0023
207.624.6650
https://www.maine.gov/doe/learning/highered/sara
Complaint form: www.maine.gov/doe/sites/maine.gov.doe/files/inline-files/sara-complaint-form.pdf
Maine SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Maine Department of Higher Education
23 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0023
207.624.6846
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Maryland (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Maryland does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Maryland Higher Education Commission
Department of Academic Affairs
6 North Liberty Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
410.767.3300
Complaint Form: https://mhec.maryland.gov/institutions_training/Documents/acadaff/SARA/SARA%20complaint%20corrections%202017.pdf
Maryland SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Maryland Higher Education Commission
6 North Liberty Street, 10th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.767.3388
http://mhec.maryland.gov/institutions_training/Pages/acadaff/sara.aspx
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Massachusetts (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Massachusetts does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Massachusetts Board of Higher Education
One Ashburton Place, Room 1401
Boston, MA 02108
617.994.6950
http://www.mass.edu/forstufam/complaints/complaints.asp
Complaint Form: http://www.mass.edu/forstufam/complaints/complaintform.asp
Massachusetts SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
One Ashburton Place, Room 1401
Boston, MA 02108
617.994.6910
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Michigan (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Michigan does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau
P.O. Box 30018
Lansing, MI 48909
517.241.7000
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-61343_35395_35396---,00.html
Complaint Form: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/lara/Complaint_Form_3-17_572206_7.pdf
Michigan SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Employment & Training, Postsecondary Schools Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
210 North Washington Square, 3rd Floor
Lansing, MI 48913
517.256.8670
https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-78421_94422_2739---,00.html
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Minnesota (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Minnesota does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Minnesota Office of Higher Education
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55108
651.259.3975 or 1.800.657.3866
http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=1078
Complaint Form: http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/pdf/ComplaintForm.pdf
Minnesota SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Minnesota Office of Higher Education
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55108
651.259.3965 or 651.259.3912
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Mississippi (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Mississippi does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation
Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning
3825 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39211
601.432.6198
http://www.mississippi.edu/mcca/student_complaint_process.asp
Complaint Form: http://mississippi.edu/mcca/downloads/mccastudentcomplaintform.pdf
Mississippi SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning
3825 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39211
601.432.6372
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Missouri (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Missouri does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Missouri Department of Higher Education
205 Jefferson St.
PO Box 1469
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1469
573.526.1577
https://dhe.mo.gov/documents/POLICYONCOMPLAINTRESOLUTION-reviseddraft.pdf
Complaint Form Request: 573-526-1577
Missouri SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
PO Box 1469
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1469
573.751.2361
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Montana (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Montana does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Montana Board of Regents
Office of Commissioner of Higher Education
Montana University System
2500 Broadway St.
PO Box 203201
Helena, MT 59620-3201
406.449.9124
https://mus.edu/MUS-Statement-of-Complaint-Process.html
Montana SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Montana University System
P.O. Box 203201
Helena, MT 59620
406.449.9135
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Nebraska (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Nebraska does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
PP.O. Box 95005
Lincoln, NE 68509-5005
402.471.2847
https://ccpe.nebraska.gov/student-complaints-against-postsecondary-institutions
Complaint Form: https://ccpe.nebraska.gov/student-complaint-form
Nebraska SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
P.O. Box 95005
Lincoln, NE 68509-5005
402.471.0030
https://ccpe.nebraska.gov/state-authorization-reciprocity-agreements-sara
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Nevada (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Nevada does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education
8778 South Maryland Parkway Suite 115
Las Vegas, NV 89123
702.486.7330
https://nshe.nevada.edu/leadership-policy/administration/academic-student-affairs/sara/
Complaint Form: https://nshe.nevada.edu/wp-content/uploads/Academic-Affairs/SARA_Complaint_Resolution_Form-Rev_20191224.pdf
Nevada SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Nevada System of Higher Education
2601 Enterprise Road
Reno, NV 89512
775.784.3442
https://nshe.nevada.edu/leadership-policy/administration/academic-student-affairs/sara/
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New Hampshire (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of New Hampshire does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
New Hampshire Postsecondary Education Commission
Department of Education
101 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301-3494
603.271.3494
https://www.education.nh.gov/pathways-education/higher-education-new-hampshire
Complaint Form: https://my.doe.nh.gov/ESSWEB/HigherEducation/Complaint.aspx
New Hampshire SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
New Hampshire Department of Education
New Hampshire Bureau of Educator Preparation and Higher Education, Division of Educator Support and Higher Education
101 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
603.271.4196
https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/division-of-educator-support-and-higher-education/nc-sara
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New Jersey (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of New Jersey does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Office of the Secretary of Higher Education
1 John Fitch Plaza, 10th Floor
P.O. Box 542
Trenton, NJ 08625-0542
609.292.4310
https://www.state.nj.us/highereducation/OSHEComplaintInstructions.shtml
Complaint Form: www.state.nj.us/highereducation/documents/pdf/OSHEComplaintForm.pdf
New Jersey SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education
20 West State Street, 4th Floor
P.O. Box 542
Trenton, NJ 08625
609.984.3738
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New Mexico (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of New Mexico does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
New Mexico Higher Education Department
2044 Galisteo Street, Suite 4
Santa Fe, NM 87505-21—
505.476.8400
http://www.hed.state.nm.us/students/hed-student-complaint-form.aspx
Complaint Form: https://hed.state.nm.us/uploads/documents/NMHED_Student_Complaint_Form_7-2021.pdf
New Mexico SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
New Mexico Higher Education Department
2044 Galisteo Street, Suite 4
Santa Fe, NM 87505-2100
505.476.8411
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New York (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of New York does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Important Note about Clinical Placements in Colorado:
However, clinical placements in New York trigger a physical presence, requiring an institution’s registration for approval or exemption by the state of New York. At present, New York’s clinical placement guidelines are undergoing revisions that does not allow an institution’s registration submission for approval or exemption. Upon completion of New York’s clinical placement revised guidelines, Texas State will proceed with the required registration process necessary for student enrollment in online programs requiring clinical placements.
Student Complaint Process:
New York Office of College and University Evaluation
New York State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12234
518.474.3852
http://www.highered.nysed.gov/ocue/spr/COMPLAINTFORMINFO.html
Complaint Form: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/complaint-form.pdf
New York SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
New York State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12234
518.474.1551
http://www.nysed.gov/college-university-evaluation/out-state-institutions
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North Carolina (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of North Carolina does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
However, institutions should contact the professional licensure board of the respective degree program prior to placing students in North Carolina to ensure the institution meets the criteria of said board.
Student Complaint Process:
North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints
University of North Carolina General Administration
910 Raleigh Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2688
919.962.4558
Complaint Form: SARA-NC-ComplaintForm.pdf
North Carolina SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
North Carolina SARA State Portal Entity:
North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority
P.O. Box 14103
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
919.248.4660
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North Dakota (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of North Dakota does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
North Dakota University System
Outreach Manager – State Authorization Coordinator
2000 44th Street SW, Suite 301
Fargo, ND 58103
701.239.6676
http://www.ndus.edu/system/state-authorization/
Complaint Form Request: stateauth@ndus.edu
North Dakota SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
North Dakota University System
2000 44th Street Southwest, Suite 301
Fargo, ND 58103
701.239.6676
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Ohio (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Ohio does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Ohio Board of Regents
Ohio Department of Higher Education
25 South Front Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614.728.3095
https://www.ohiohighered.org/students/complaints
Ohio SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
25 South Front Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614.728.3095
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Oklahoma (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Oklahoma does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
655 Research Parkway, Suite 200
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
405.225.9100
https://www.okhighered.org/current-college-students/complaints.shtml
Complaint Form: https://www.okhighered.org/resources/Student-Complaint-Form/
Oklahoma SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
655 Research Parkway, Suite 200
P.O. Box 108850
Oklahoma City, OK 73101-8850
405.225.9163 or 405.225.9154
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Oregon (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Oregon does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Higher Education Coordinating Commission
255 Capitol Street NE
Salem, OR 97310
https://www.oregon.gov/highered/about/Pages/complaints.aspx
Complaint Form: https://www.oregon.gov/highered/institutions-programs/private/Documents/Distance/SARA-Complaint-Form.pdf
Oregon SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Higher Education Coordinating Commission
3225 25th Street Southeast
Salem, OR 97302
503.947.5751
rebecca.fuller@hecc.oregon.gov
https://www.oregon.gov/highered/institutions-programs/private/Pages/distance-education.aspx
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Pennsylvania (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Pennsylvania does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Pennsylvania Department of Education
333 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17126
https://www.passhe.edu/StudentComplaints/Pages/default.aspx
Complaint Form: https://www.passhe.edu/StudentComplaints/Documents/StateSystem_StudentComplaintForm_fillable.pdf
Pennsylvania SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Pennsylvania Division of Higher Education, Access, and Equity
333 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17126
717.265.7723
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Rhode Island (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Rhode Island does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner
560 Jefferson Blvd., Suite 100
Warwick, RI 02886
401.736.1100
https://www.riopc.edu/page/student_complaint/
Complaint Form: https://www.riopc.edu/form/ri-student-complaint/
Rhode Island SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Council on Postsecondary Education/Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner
560 Jefferson Boulevard
Warwick, Rhode Island 02886-1304
401.736.1118
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South Carolina (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of South Carolina does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
1122 Lady Street, Suite 300
Columbia, SC 29201
803.737.2260
Complaint Form: http://www.che.sc.gov/CHE_Docs/AcademicAffairs/License/Complaint_procedures_and_form.pdf
South Carolina SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
South Carolina Commission in Higher Education
1122 Lady Street, Suite 300
Columbia, SC 29201
803.737.3476 or 803.737.7781
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South Dakota (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of South Dakota does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
South Dakota Office of the Attorney General
Division of Consumer Protection
1302 E. Highway 14, Suite 3
Pierre, SD 57501-8501
605.773.3215
https://consumer.sd.gov/complaintform.aspx
Complaint Form: https://atglaserfiche.sd.gov/Forms/ConsumerComplaintForm
South Dakota SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
South Dakota Board of Regents
306 East Capitol Avenue, Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501
605.773.3455
www.sdbor.edu/administrative-offices/academics/SD-SARA/Pages/default.aspx
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Tennessee (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Tennessee does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Tennessee Higher Education Commission
404 James Robertson Parkway, Suite 1900
Nashville, TN 37343
615.741.3605
Complaint Form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/thec/bureau/student_aid_and_compliance/dpsa/complaint_form/Complaint%20Form%20(Rev.%2003.20).pdf
Tennessee SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Tennessee Higher Education Commission
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
615.253.8857
https://www.tn.gov/thec/bureaus/student-aid-and-compliance/postsecondary-state-authorization.html
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Texas (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Texas does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
PO Box 12788
Austin, Texas 78711
512.427.6101
https://www.highered.texas.gov/links/student-complaints/
Complaint Form: https://www1.thecb.state.tx.us/Apps/CRAFT/Home/Create
Texas SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
P.O. Box 12788
Austin, Texas 78711
512.427.6214
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Utah (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Utah does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Utah Division of Consume Protection
160 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 8411
801.530.6601
https://ushe.edu/office-of-commissioner/state-authorization-ut-sara/
Complaint Form: https://ushe.edu/office-of-commissioner/state-authorization-ut-sara/sara-complaint-form/
Utah SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Utah System of Higher Education
Board of Regents Building, The Gateway
60 South 400 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
801.321.7152
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Vermont (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Vermont does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Vermont Agency of Education
219 North Main Street, Suite 402
Barre, VT 05641
802.479.1030
https://education.vermont.gov/documents/postsecondary-program-complaint-resolution
Complaint Form: https://education.vermont.gov/sites/aoe/files/documents/edu-complaint-resolution-for-postsecondary-education_0.pdf
Vermont SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Vermont Agency of Education
1 National Life Drive, David 5th Floor
Montpelier, VT 05620
802.823.3991
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Virginia (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Virginia does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
101 N. 14th Street, 10th Floor
James Monroe Building
Richmond, VA 23219
804.225.2600
https://schev.edu/index/students-and-parents/resources/student-complaints
Complaint Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/StudentComplaintForm
Virginia SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
101 North 14th Street, 9th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
804.225.2621
http://www.schev.edu/index/institutional/state-authorization-reciprocity-agreements-%28sara%29
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Washington (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Washington does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Washington Student Achievement Council
917 Lakeridge Way SW
Olympia, WA 98502
360.753.7800
https://www.wsac.wa.gov/student-complaints
Complaint Form: https://www.studentcomplaints.wa.gov/hc/en-us
Washington SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Washington Student Achievement Council
917 Lakeridge Way Southwest
Olympia, WA 98504-3430
360.753.7866
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West Virginia (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of West Virginia does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
1018 Kanawha Boulevard, East – Suite 700
Charleston, WV 25301
304.558.2101
Complaint Form: https://www.wvhepc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Student-Complaint-Process-revised.pdf
West Virginia SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
1018 Kanawha Boulevard East, Suite 700
Charleston, WV 25301
304.313.2290
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Wisconsin (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Wisconsin does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Distance Learning Authorization Board
4622 University Ave., PO Box 7874
Madison, WI 53707-7874
608.266.2449
www.heab.state.wi.us/dlab/students.html
Complaint Form: http://www.heab.state.wi.us/dlab/docs/SARAComplaintForm2020.pdf
Wisconsin SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Wisconsin Technical College System Office
4622 University Avenue, P.O. Box 7874
Madison, WI 53707-7874
608.266.2449
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Wyoming (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the state of Wyoming does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
Wyoming Department of Education
Hathaway Building, 2nd Floor
2300 Capitol Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82002
307.777.7645
Complaint Form: https://2ky701279qlou23p6256zftv-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ComplaintForm-WY-SARA.pdf
Wyoming SARA State Portal Entity Contact:
Wyoming Community College Commission
2300 Capitol Avenue, 5th Floor, Suite B
Cheyenne, WY 82002
307.777.7013
Territories
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American Samoa
Pending Confirmation:
As an out-of-state, public, not-for-profit institution of higher education, regionally accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, Texas State University is not required to register or seek authorization to offer distance education programs in American Samoa.
The territory of American Samoa does not have a student complaint process applicable to out-of-state public institutions. The student complaints should be filed under the state’s postsecondary agency the school originated in. American Samoa is a non-participant of NC-SARA.
Student Complaint Process:
American Samoa Community College
Mesepa, Western District 96799
American Samoa
684.699.9155
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Guam
Pending Confirmation:
As an out-of-state, public, not-for-profit institution of higher education, regionally accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, Texas State University is not required to register or seek authorization to offer distance education programs in Guam.
The territory of Guam does not have a student complaint process applicable to out-of-state public institutions. The student complaints should be filed under the state’s postsecondary agency the school originated in. Guam is a non-participant of NC-SARA.
Student Complaint Process:
University of Guam
University Drive
Mangilao, 96923, Guam
671.735.2990
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Northern Mariana Islands
Pending Confirmation:
As an out-of-state, public, not-for-profit institution of higher education, regionally accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, Texas State University is not required to register or seek authorization to offer distance education programs in the Northern Mariana Islands.
The territory of Northern Mariana Islands does not have a student complaint process applicable to out-of-state public institutions. The student complaints should be filed under the state’s postsecondary agency the school originated in. The Northern Mariana Islands is a non-participant of NC-SARA.
Student Complaint Process:
Northern Mariana Islands Postsecondary Education
Office of the NMC President
P.O. Box 501250
Saipan MP 96950
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Puerto Rico (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the territory of Puerto Rico does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
The Puerto Rico Council on Education
268 Ponce de Leon Avenue
The Hato Rey Center, Floor 15
Hato Rey, P.R. 00918
787.641.7100
http://www.agencias.pr.gov/agencias/cepr/inicio/licenciamiento/Pages/Educacion-Superior.aspx
Complaint Form: http://www.agencias.pr.gov/agencias/cepr/inicio/DocumentosCEPR/Documents/SARA/SARA_Complaint_Process.pdf
Puerto Rico SARA State Portal Entity:
Puerto Rico Council on Education
P.O. Box 19900
San Juan, P.R. 00919-1900
787.641.7100 ext 2056
https://agencias.pr.gov/agencias/cepr/inicio/Pages/SARA.aspx
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U.S. Virgin Islands (NC-SARA Member)
As a member of NC-SARA, the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require any additional state authorization requirements from SARA participant institutions and who are compliant with SARA policies and standards.
Student Complaint Process:
University of the Virgin Islands
#2 John Brewers Bay
St. Thomas, VI 00802
340.693.1200
U.S. Virgin Islands SARA State Portal Entity:
University of the Virgin Islands
#2 John Brewers Bay
St. Thomas, VI 00802
340.693.1200