If you are a current student, live in Louisiana, in the military, or otherwise physically live in another country or in one of the authorized states you can take online courses from Northwestern State University.
In accordance with Federal Regulations (34 CFR §668.43), for Northwestern State University to offer online courses and programs in states other than Louisiana, the University has to obtain approval/exemption/licensure in each state. The university has to show the U.S. Department of Education that the college has made a “good faith” effort to obtain approval in each state it offers online classes.
SARA Institution
Northwestern State University is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) which allows the university to offer online programs to residents of states other than Louisiana.
State Authorization
Northwestern State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) and is authorized to enroll students from all states that participate in SARA.
“The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) is a private nonprofit organization [501(c)(3)] that helps expand students’ access to educational opportunities and ensure more efficient, consistent, and effective regulation of distance education programs.
Recognizing the growing demand for distance education opportunities, higher education stakeholders – including state regulators and education leaders, accreditors, the U.S. Department of Education, and institutions – joined together in 2013 to establish the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), which streamline regulations around distance education programs.
In partnership with four regional compacts, NC-SARA helps states, institutions, policymakers, and students understand the purpose and benefits of participating in SARA. Today, more than 2,200 institutions in 49 member states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands all voluntarily participate in SARA.” — About NC-SARA
Find Out More: NC-SARA: National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements
California does not currently participate in SARA; however, Northwestern State University has established that our online programs are exempt from authorization in that state.
Online programs: Exempt
Supporting Documentation:
Helpful Links:
1.) How to Work with Students in California
2.) California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009
3.) Information for Schools – California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Complaint Process
In addition to ensuring that institutions are authorized to offer academic programs in other states, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) provides a pathway for students in all states to submit complaints (also known as grievances). Initial responsibility for the investigation and resolution of complaints resides with the institution against which the complaint is made. Further consideration and resolution, if necessary, is the responsibility of the SARA Portal Entity, and other responsible agencies of the institution’s home state.
Professional Licensure
Northwestern State University is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) which allows the university to offer online programs to residents of states other than Louisiana. NC-SARA membership, however, does not grant reciprocity or exempt the institution from state professional licensing requirements. As a result, licensing requirements in Louisiana may not be recognized as sufficient to obtain a license in any other state.
States have varying rules, requirements and regulations that govern online (distance) education offered by out-of-state postsecondary institutions. These rules require higher education institutions that offer distance education to state residents to obtain exemption, approval, authorization, or other certification from the relevant state agencies. Many of these regulations also apply to field experiences (e.g., internships, practicums, clinicals, etc.) in the state.
