State Authorization
What is State Authorization?
State authorization is a legal issue regarding an educational institution’s adherence to the requirements necessary to secure authorization to offer instruction and other educational endeavors outside of their home state. Every state has the authority to regulate which postsecondary institutions offer education within its boundaries, including online programs and courses. State authorization compliance is a federal regulatory program (Higher Education Act of 2008, Amended 2010) that requires all institutions of higher education, as a condition of receiving funding for federal financial aid, to be authorized in and by each state in which they offer educational activities. The need to seek state authorization for educational activities depends on a combination of each state’s laws and the activities that a course, program or institution is conducting in that state. Educational activities include, but are not limited to:
- Advertising
- Clinical Placements
- Distance Education Programs
- Externships
- Faculty Residing Outside North Carolina
- Internships
- Marketing
- Non-Classroom Experiences
- Online Degrees & Courses
- Practical
- Proctoring
- Professional Licensure
- Recruiting
Helpful Links
- Grievance and Appeal Procedures
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- UNC Online
- Directory-of-State-Authorization-Agencies-and-Lead-Contacts.pdf
News and Events
UNCW Ranked 7th in Nation for Online Bachelor’s Programs, 62nd Best College Value
-U.S. News and World Report
State Authorization Resources
- U.S. Department of Education
- National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements
- SARA North Carolina
- WCET
- SAN
Institutional and Professional Licensure Disclosures for Enrolled and Prospective Students
UNCW degree programs satisfy the professional licensure and/or certification requirements in North Carolina and prepare students to sit for these exams. However, requirements in other states may be different.
If you are considering a degree program that may, would, could or potentially lead to a professional license and/or certification, please note that at this time UNCW may or may not be able to advise whether a program meets requirements outside of North Carolina. Prior to enrolling in a degree program, please discuss
this important topic with your program of interest.
