State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement | SARA

State Authorization

The U.S. Department of Education requires an institution offering distance education programs or on-ground field experience components to acquire authorization from the states in which it operates. According to the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (released in October 2010) institutions offering online degrees to students who reside in other states, need to seek explicit approval from the state in which the students reside. In order for Drexel University to offer distance education (online) programs in all US states, we need to make sure that Drexel University is in compliance with the regulations of each state.

Specific regulations vary from state to state: each state regulates online education very differently and each state has different definitions for what constitutes physical presence. In order to comply with required state authorizations so we can provide educational access to students across the country, Drexel University is working in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education, as well as with all agencies within states and territories. Drexel University will continue to make a good faith effort to pursue state authorization from all states and districts of the United States and its territories.

Why It Matters To You

Before Drexel University can accept an enrollment from an online student for either a program or a course, the University must be in compliance with the regulations regarding distance education in the state in which the student resides. The same is true for face-to-face students who wish to complete field experiences (internship, clinical, practicum, and teaching experience) in a state other than Pennsylvania.  Drexel University is also approved to operate in Washington DC as approved by the Higher Education Licensure Commission (HELC).

If you have questions about the status of Drexel University’s state authorization standing in a specific state, please visit our State Authorization page.