SARA Resources for Institutions

Data Collection & Reporting for SARA Institutions:
May 14 – June 4, 2019

Institutions participating in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) are required to report annually to the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC‐SARA) the number of students engaged in distance education who are enrolled in the institution. The enrollment data are disaggregated by state, territory, or district where the activity takes place.

Beginning in spring 2019, institutions participating in SARA will also annually report the number of students engaged in certain out-of-state learning placements, such as rotations, internships, student teaching, etc., disaggregated by state and two‐digit Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes as assigned by the U.S. Department of Education.

SARA institutions should consult the following documents prior to completing enrollment reports:

Please visit nc-sara.org/content/Data_Info for more information.

Information for prospective institutions

What is SARA?

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is the interstate agreement that allows institutions in one SARA member state to offer online courses and learning placements in other SARA member states without obtaining state authorization in more than one state. Under the agreement, states recognize each other’s authorization and the institution's home state assumes responsibility for institutional activity in all SARA states.

How does an institution benefit from SARA?

Enables more efficient provision of distance education to a broader market
Reduces the number of other-state regulations to continually monitor and track
Reduces the number of applications and individual state requirements
Reduces costs: Applications, surety bonds, staff time, etc.

What activities are covered by SARA membership?

Standard definitions and practices help SARA member 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.

How does my institution become a SARA member?

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.).

Ready to prepare your application?

Watch NEBHE's SARA Introduction and Overview presentation online.