State Authorization Process
State Authorization Process
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) was established in 2013 by higher education stakeholders – including state regulators and education leaders, accreditors, the U.S. Department of Education, and institutions.
SARA is a set of agreements between member states, districts, and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate distance education program offerings. These reciprocity agreements help streamline distance education regulations, improve coordination between states and higher education institutions, and help ensure member states and participating institutions adhere to a set of common consumer protections for students. The University of Southern Indiana is a member of SARA.
Compliance with state authorization regulations is required by the federal government for institutions to be eligible for federal financial aid and each States requires institutions to obtain approval for regulated activities that occur in their state. The requirements vary by state and may include online learning, practical experiences, faculty in the state, marketing, advertising, etc.
State Authorization Status by State
We appreciate your interest in online education programs provided by University of Southern Indiana (USI). Currently, USI's College of Nursing and Health Professions only offers its Online Learning enrollment opportunities to residents of states where USI has obtained or is seeking authorization for its online education offerings. Learn the status of the USI online degree programs available in a particular state below.
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Alabama residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. EXCEPT for students pursuing degrees in:
- BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
State Contacts for Complaints
Alabama Commission on Higher Education
PO Box 302000
Montgomery, AL 36130-2000
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Alaska residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. EXCEPT for students pursuing degrees in:
- RN-BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
State Contacts for Complaints
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education
PO Box 110505
Juneau, AK 99811-0505
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Arizona residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. EXCEPT for students pursuing degrees in:
- RN-BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
State Contacts for Complaints
Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education
1400 W. Washington Street
Room 260
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Arkansas residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Arkansas Department of Higher Education
423 Main Street, Suite 400
Little Rock, AR 72201
Authorization Status: YES
Currently, USI online programs are available to California residents.
State Contacts for Complaints
California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
P.O. Box 980818
W. Sacramento, CA 95798-0818
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Colorado residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Colorado Department of Higher Education
1560 Broadway, Suite 1600
Denver, CO 80202
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Connecticut residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Connecticut Office of Higher Education
61 Woodland Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Delaware residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. EXCEPT for students pursuing degrees in:
- RN-BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
State Contacts for Complaints
Delaware Department of Education
401 Federal Street
Dover, DE 19901
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to District of Columbia residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. EXCEPT for students pursuing degrees in:
- BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
State Contacts for Complaints
District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education, Education Licensure Commission
810 First Street, NE
9th Floor
Washington, DC 20002
http://osse.dc.gov/service/education-licensure-commission-elc-public-complaints
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Florida residents.
State Contacts for Complaints
Florida Commission for Independent Education
325 W. Gaines Street
Suite 1414
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Georgia residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission
2082 E. Exchange Pl. #220
Tucker, GA 30084-5334
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Hawaii residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Hawaii Postsecondary Education Authorization Program
PO Box 2360
Honolulu, HI 96804
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Idaho residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Idaho State Board of Education
650 West State Street
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0037
http://www.boardofed.idaho.gov/priv_col_univ/student_complaint.asp
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Illinois residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Illinois Board of Higher Education
431 East Adams, 2nd Floor
Springfield, IL 62701-1404
Institutional Complaint Hotline: (217) 557-7359 Email: info@ibhe.org
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Iowa residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints Email: info@iowacollegeaid.gov
Iowa Student Aid Commission
603 E. 12th Street, 5th Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Kansas residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Kansas Board of Regents
1000 SW Jackson Street, Suite 520
Topeka, KS 66612-1368
http://www.kansasregents.org/students/university_student_complaints
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Kentucky residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
1024 Capital Center Dr. #320
Frankfort, KY 40601-7512
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Louisiana residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. EXCEPT for students pursuing degrees in:
- RN-BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
State Contacts for Complaints
Louisiana Board of Regents
PO Box 3677
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3677
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Maine residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. EXCEPT for students pursuing degrees in:
- BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
State Contacts for Complaints
Maine Department of Education Email: harry.osgood@maine.gov
23 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0023
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Maryland residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Maryland Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
200 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21212
Telephone: 410-528-8662; 888-743-0823 (toll free)
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Massachusetts residents. EXCEPT for students pursuing degrees in:
- BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
State Contacts for Complaints
Massachusetts Board of Higher Education
One Ashburton Place
Room 1401
Boston, MA 02108
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Michigan residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
PO Box 30718
Lansing, MI 48909
http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-61343_
35395_35396-139958--,00.html
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Minnesota residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. EXCEPT for students pursuing degrees in:
- BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
State Contacts for Complaints
Minnesota Office of Higher Education
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55108-5227
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Mississippi residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. EXCEPT for students pursuing degrees in:
- BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
State Contacts for Complaints
Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation
3825 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39211-6453
http://www.mississippi.edu/mcca/downloads/studentcomplaintform.pdf
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Missouri residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Missouri Department of Higher Education
205 Jefferson Street
PO Box 1469
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1469
http://dhe.mo.gov/documents/POLICYONCOMPLAINTRESOLUTION-reviseddraft.pdf
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Montana residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements
State Contacts for Complaints
Montana University System
2500 Broadway Street
PO Box 203201
Helena, MT 59620-3201
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Nebraska residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
PO Box 95005
140 N. 8th Street
Lincoln, NE 68509-5005
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=85-2418
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Nevada residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education
8778 South Maryland Parkway Suite 115
Las Vegas, Nevada 89123
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to New Hampshire residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
New Hampshire Department of Education
101 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301-3494
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to New Jersey residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
124 Halsey Street
Newark, NJ 07102
www.nj.gov/oag/ca/complaint/ocp.pdf
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to New Mexico residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
New Mexico Higher Education Department
2048 Galisteo Street
Santa Fe, NM 87505
https://hed.state.nm.us/uploads/documents/Complaint_Form_2019.pdf
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to New York residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. EXCEPT for students pursuing degrees in:
- BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
State Contacts for Complaints
New York State Education Department
116 West 32nd Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10001
http://www.highered.nysed.gov/ocue/spr/COMPLAINTFORMINFO.html
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to North Carolina residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
North Carolina Community College System Office of Proprietary Schools
200 West Jones St.
Raleigh, NC 27603
http://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/complaint-procedures-and-forms
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to North Dakota residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. EXCEPT for students pursuing degrees in:
- RN-BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
State Contacts for Complaints
Tanya Spilovoy, D. Ed.
Director of Distance Education and State Authorization
1815 Schafer St., Ste. 202
Bismarck, ND 58501-1217
tanya.spilovoy@ndus.edu
https://www.ndus.edu/system/state-authorization/
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Ohio residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools
30 East Broad St., 24th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
http://scr.ohio.gov/ConsumerInformation/FilingaComplaint.aspx
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Oklahoma residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. EXCEPT for students pursuing degrees in:
- RN-BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
State Contacts for Complaints
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
655 Research Parkway
Suite 200
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Oregon residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. EXCEPT for students pursuing degrees in:
- BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
State Contacts for Complaints
Oregon Office of Degree Authorization
775 Court St NE
Salem, OR 97301
http://www.oregonstudentaid.gov/oda-doc/ODA%20Student%20Complaint%20Form.pdf
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Pennsylvania residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. EXCEPT for students pursuing degrees in:
- BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
State Contacts for Complaints
Pennsylvania Department of Education
333 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Rhode Island residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education
Shepard Building
80 Washington Street, Suite 524
Providence, RI 02903
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to South Carolina residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
1122 Lady St., Suite 300
Columbia, SC 29201
http://www.che.sc.gov/CHE_Docs/AcademicAffairs/License/Complaint_procedures_and_form.pdf
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to South Dakota residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
South Dakota Board of Regents
306 E. Capitol Ave, Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501-2545
https://www.sdbor.edu/administrative-offices/academics/SD-SARA/Pages/default.aspx
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Tennessee residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Tennessee Higher Education Commission
404 James Robertson Parkway
Suite 1900
Nashville, TN 37243
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Texas residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Students residing in Texas may initiate a complaint with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) by sending the required forms either by mail or email after exhausting USI’s grievance and complaint process. The rules governing the student complaint procedures -Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code, Rules 1.110-112- are located at http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=19&pt=1&ch=1&sch=E&rl=Y
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
College Readiness and Success Division
P.O. Box 12788
Austin, Texas 78711-2788
Email: StudentComplaints@thecb.state.tx.us
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Utah residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Utah Division of Consumer Protection
160 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Vermont residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Vermont State Board of Education
219 North Main Street, Suite 402
Barre, VT 05641
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Virginia residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
101 N. 14th St.
James Monroe Building
Richmond, VA 23219
http://www.schev.edu/index/students-and-parents/resources/student-complaints
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Washington residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. EXCEPT for students pursuing degrees in:
- BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
State Contacts for Complaints
Washington Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
128 10th Avenue SW
PO Box 43105
Olympia, WA 98504-3105
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to West Virginia residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Dr. Kathy Butler, Senior Director of Academic Affairs
WV Higher Education Policy Commission
1018 Kanawha Blvd., E. Suite 700
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: 304-558-0261
http://www.wvhepc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Complaint-Form2.pdf
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Wisconsin residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Contacts for Complaints
Wisconsin Educational Approval Board
201 W. Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor
Madison, WI 53703
https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Programs/EducationalApproval/Student.aspx
Authorization Status: YES (NC-SARA)
Currently, USI online programs are available to Wyoming residents via the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. EXCEPT for students pursuing degrees in:
- BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
State Contacts for Complaints
Wyoming Department of Education
2300 Capitol Avenue
Hathaway Building, 2nd Floor
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0050
http://edu.wyoming.gov/downloads/schools/student-complaint-form.pdf
Online Learning