State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is a nationwide initiative that seeks to make it easier for institutions of higher education to provide distance education to students across state lines. Under SARA, institutions that participate in the program are authorized to offer distance education in all participating states with minimal additional regulations. This is particularly important for online programs, as students can easily enroll in courses without having to worry about the complexities of state authorization laws.

In New York, SARA is administered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). NYSED is responsible for approving institutions to participate in SARA and ensuring that they comply with state and federal regulations. So far, 50 institutions in New York have been approved to participate in SARA, offering a wide range of programs and courses to students across the nation.

SARA brings many benefits to institutions and students alike. Institutions that participate in SARA benefit from streamlined regulatory requirements, reducing the administrative burden associated with state authorization. Additionally, students enrolled in SARA-approved institutions can be confident in knowing that their institution has gone through a rigorous review process and is authorized to offer distance education in all participating states.

For students, SARA provides access to high-quality distance education programs and courses that would otherwise be unavailable to them. As a result, students can earn degrees and certifications from institutions across the country, opening up new career opportunities and expanding their skill sets. This is especially important for students in rural or remote areas, where access to traditional on-campus programs may be limited.

In summary, SARA is an important initiative that is making it easier for institutions of higher education to provide distance education to students across state lines. In New York, NYSED is responsible for administering SARA and approving institutions to participate in the program. With SARA, institutions can offer high-quality distance education programs and courses to students across the nation, while reducing the regulatory burden associated with state authorization. For students, SARA provides access to a wider range of programs and courses, opening up new career opportunities and expanding their skill sets.