Information for Institutions

Standard definitions and practices help SARA-affiliated institutions engage in a number of approved activities outside of their home state in SARA member states. Examples of activities include, but are not limited to, distance education, marketing, recruiting, internships, etc. Additional information regarding coverage and limitations is available in the SARA Policies and Standards Manual. It is also important to remember that SARA has no effect on state professional licensing requirements and does not excuse or exempt institutions that participate in federally funded programs from compliance with federal rules.

Once the state in which your institution is legally domiciled (called the Home State) becomes a SARA member through their regional compact, your institution may apply through what's called a "State Portal Entity." The entity is a contact responsible for SARA oversight in your state's education agency. New England State Portal Entity contacts can be found by clicking here. The SARA membership application is the same regardless of your institution's home state or sector (public, private, etc.).

Visit nc-sara.org to learn more about the application and process.

The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) is the national coordinating entity which works in conjunction with the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) and three parallel regional education organizations, the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC), Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) to facilitate the SARA agreement.

NEBHE and its SARA partners work together to implement uniform standards and procedures for accepting and monitoring States participating in each of their respective regional reciprocity agreements; thus, States participating in SARA through any one compact will be recognized as reciprocal partners with States participating in SARA through any another regional compact. Through this reciprocity, eligible institutions are assured that their participation in one region’s SARA initiative will carry full value in any other SARA state, from any other region.

NEBHE oversees the implementation, coordination and conversations specifically with those in the higher education community in New England, New Jersey and New York. NC-SARA coordinates with a broad array of higher education stakeholders to ensure alignment on core elements and requirements of SARA.