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. 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.
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:
NSUdocs entity=86 cat=1679 format=full showcategory=no]
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.
