State Authorization

State Authorization allows Regis University to legally offer educational activities, including on-ground experiences like internships and clinicals, outside Colorado. Authorization requirements for out-of-state activities vary by state and program. At Regis University, we work with various entities to ensure we research and meet state regulations, seek and maintain program approvals, and communicate and disclose information to help you succeed no matter where you may decide to live both while studying and then pursuing your career goals.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is a national initiative to increase access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance standards with state regulatory agencies. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, districts, and territories  without seeking separate approvals. 

Regis University was approved as an institutional SARA participant in 2015. Participation expands educational opportunities for students nationwide and reduces the cost to offer Regis University programs nationally. 

SARA establishes national standards for offering interstate education, but additional approvals may be required for programs that lead to professional licensure or programs placing more than 10 students at a field experience site in a SARA state. To learn more about SARA, visit nc-sara.org.

Regis University is authorized to offer out-of-state educational activities in all 50 states. (Please see program-specific exceptions below.)

SARA Authorization

Regis University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which allows Regis to offer courses and programs in all SARA member states, territories, and districts. 

Non-SARA States

Regis University also may offer courses or programs to students located in states that have not joined SARA:
 
California: The California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education does not require out-of-state non-profit accredited institutions to register with them. Therefore, Bureau approval for Regis University to offer distance education in California is not required.

Program Exceptions

Due to regulatory requirements in Kentucky, Louisiana, New York, and North Dakota, Regis University’s Loretto Heights School of Nursing is unable to accept or enroll students who intend to reside and/or do clinicals in any of these states while pursuing MS Nursing, Post-Graduate Certificate, or DNP education through any of our distance learning formats. Regis University’s Loretto Heights School of Nursing is also unable to accept or enroll students who intend to reside and/or do clinical in the state of Oregon for the APRN program.

International Students

If you are an international student interested in enrolling in an online program, please note:

Countries may or may not regulate education provided to students in their jurisdiction, requiring higher education institutions to comply with their regulations. At this time, Regis University cannot guarantee that a program meets the curriculum requirements in your country.

International students interested in enrolling in Regis University's degree programs should review the Admissions Guidelines to verify eligibility.

Professional Licensure Programs

In compliance with the U.S. Department of Education and the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), Regis University provides information pertaining to professional licensure and certification in correlation with programs offered both at a distance and on-campus. The following is recommended BEFORE beginning a program that leads to professional licensure with the intent to be licensed outside the state Colorado:

  • Review the licensing information provided for the applicable program.
  • Contact the appropriate licensing agency in the U.S. states and/or territories where licensure is intended. This will enable you to obtain the most up-to-date information about licensure requirements and confirm how a Regis University program might facilitate those requirements.
  • Talk with your Admission Counselor or the appropriate Program Coordinator.

View Professional Licensure Programs.

 

Student Complaint Information

Regis University Complaint Process 

Students enrolled in a Regis University course who have a complaint about a course or experience should follow Regis University’s Student Complaints Policy.
 
SARA State Complaint Process

Students enrolled in a course that takes place outside Colorado in a SARA member state must first follow Regis University’s Student Complaints Policy for the resolution of complaints. If a student is not satisfied with the outcome of that process, a complaint involving allegations of dishonest or fraudulent activity, including the provision of false or misleading information, may be brought to the Colorado 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 Colorado SARA portal entity is final. Please note that grade appeals and student conduct appeals are not allowed under SARA. 
 
Non-SARA State Complaints 

Students participating in a course that takes place in a non-SARA state may file a complaint with the Colorado Department of Higher Education, or may file a complaint in the state where the student is located:

California: A complaint may be filed by writing to the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) or calling DCA’s Consumer Information Center (CIC) at:

California Department of Consumer Affairs
Consumer Information Center
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-112
Sacramento, California 95834
Telephone: (833) 942-1120
dca@dca.ca.gov

For more information, you may also go to the DCA website.