State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)

The education of out of state students who enroll in online higher education programs is subject to the requirements of their home state. By virtue of membership in the National Council for State Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), Carlow University is authorized to offer online programs leading to a degree to residents of the 48 other member states. Click here to see if your state is a member of SARA.

Carlow University offers the following online programs:

• Business Administration (MBA) 
• Business Management
• Education 
• Fraud and Forensics (MS)
• Health Data Analytics
• Health Care Management
• Nursing
• Respiratory Care online completion program

Online Programs Leading to Professional Licensure

SARA membership does not address programs that lead to a professional licensure. For prospective students pursuing a degree that leads to professional licensure, the ability of the student to enroll in an online program depends on the state in which the student resides, and that state’s professional licensure requirements.  For a student to enroll in one of these programs, Carlow will determine if our program activities and outcomes align with the home state licensing regulations.  This is determined on a state-by-state basis. Before beginning study, students should know whether their successful completion of a particular academic program will meet the education requirements necessary for them to pursue licensure in the state in which they intend to practice.

Applicants who are applying to programs leading to licensure in states other than Pennsylvania must be aware of the various state professional licensure requirements. Please check licensure requirements by state at CareerOneStop.

Online programs that fall into this category:

• Nursing: Our online Nursing programs are available only to students who already possess an RN license.  However, depending on the state or the degree, the ability to pursue one of these degrees will reside with the home state’s Board of Nursing. See National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
• RN-BSN for Registered Nurses seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• MSN-MBA Dual Degree Program, with a concentration on nursing education and leadership
• MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner
• MSN-with a concentration in education and leadership
• DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Respiratory Care Online Completion Program 

Our MSN, RN to BSN and DNP programs are not available in Alabama, Arizona, California, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon and South Dakota.

Institutional Responsibilities

Carlow University will research the state regulations and notify the student in writing if a program meets the state licensure requirements of their intended program. 

Student responsibilities 

1. Carefully read the licensure-related information provided by Carlow University.
2. If questions remain after reviewing the information provided by Carlow, contact an institutional representative knowledgeable about licensure issues in your chosen field.
3. Understand and consider the implications of the licensure-related material prior to enrolling in a program intended to lead to professional licensure.
4. Acknowledge in writing that you have been provided and have reviewed the information.
5. If your plans change (as to location, program, etc.) notify your program and go through this process again in regard to your new plans.

Disclosures & Student Complaints

Important Note  for Prospective Students: If you are considering an online program that leads to a professional license  in a state other than Pennsylvania, it is highly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing agency in your state to seek information and additional guidance before beginning the  program. 

Student Complaints: Students who are enrolled in a Carlow University course who have a complaint about a course or experience should follow Carlow’s complaint, grievance and appeal procedures.

If a student located in a SARA State has a complaint about Carlow University, complaints must first go through the  standard Carlow procedure for filing a complaint or grievance.  If a student is not satisfied with the outcome of that process, a complaint involving allegations of fraudulent activity, including the provision of false or misleading information, may be brought to the  Pennsylvania SARA portal entity. The SARA portal entity in the state where the student is located will be notified that the complaint was received and  may assist as needed. Resolution of the complaint by the SARA portal entity in the institution’s home state is final. 

Examples of types of student complaints that may be brought to a SARA portal entity include, but are not limited to, complaints regarding accuracy of job placement data, tuition or fee information, accreditation, whether a program meets licensure requirements, or course transfer information. Grade appeals and student conduct appeals are not allowed under SARA.  

For more information or for questions about compliance contact Carlow Admissions:

Phone: +1 (800) 333-2275