State Authorization Updates

The University of Nebraska (NU) has a rich history and long commitment to providing students the opportunity to earn a post-secondary education – on-campus and at a distance. This continues to be a priority as many of our current and future students have life and work obligations that restrict time and flexibility. These students have found the online programs offered by the four campuses of the University to meet their academic and career goals. Also, 35% of these students are in states other than Nebraska.

In order to enroll students outside the state of Nebraska, each campus and online program must be compliant with the laws governing distance education in those states. On behalf of the campuses the University of Nebraska Online (NU Online) has ensured that the online program offerings of the University of Nebraska have been compliant with individual state regulations. With the exception of select programs, all NU online programs are currently authorized to accept and enroll students in all 50 states and Washington D.C. This has been accomplished through individual state compliance efforts and membership in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) of which includes 41 states and Washington D.C. For more detailed information regarding NU’s authorization status to offer online programs, please see the State Authorization Dashboard. This is an authenticated website available to NU faculty, staff and administration. You can request access by contacting Michael Jolley, University of Nebraska Online Assistant Director.

On July 22, 2016, the U.S. Department of Education (DoED) released a proposal on how states should regulate online programs. The proposal does not affect our current ability to offer online programs and will continue to allow NU programs to enroll students from individual states so long as these programs remain in compliance with individual state regulations or through a reciprocity agreement such as SARA. As part of the DoED proposal, institutions where allowed to submit commentary by August 25, 2016. NUOW submitted commentary in support of the proposal. Should you have specific questions or concerns regarding the DoED proposal please feel free to contact NU Online at online@nebraska.edu.