What is State Authorization?
The process known as state authorization is required when a university offers educational opportunities outside its home state or to students in other states. The U.S. Department of Education requires that the institution comply with any applicable state approval or licensure requirements.
This includes:
- Enrolling students from other U.S. states in online/video courses
- Allowing students to complete experiential learning (e.g., internships, clinicals) in other states
- Offering short courses or field experiences in other states
Programs that lead to professional licensure must ensure they meet each state’s requirements. Students are responsible for confirming if their program meets licensure standards in their home state. TCU can only guarantee program compliance within Texas.
A state authorization map and the latest updates are available on the State Authorization Guide. Some programs may have additional state-specific requirements—please consult your program director.
An institution’s failure to comply with state authorization rules may impact federal financial aid eligibility.
What is SARA?
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) allows approved institutions like TCU to offer online education and experiential learning across 49 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—without applying separately in each state.
As a SARA participant, TCU can engage in the following activities:
- Enroll students in online courses from other SARA states.
- Facilitate internships and field placements in most SARA states.
- Support independent research and field studies in SARA member states.
- Arrange TCU-sponsored field trips (day-long) in SARA member states.
- Host short courses and field trips (day-long) in SARA member states, subject to the SARA parameters for short courses listed in the SARA Manual.
SARA helps expand access to online learning offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state, thereby increasing educational opportunity and access. It protects students in other states by providing a process by which out-of-state online learning students can have their complaints about substantive programmatic or institutional issues addressed.
Information For Your Online Students
Students can find important course information on my.tcu.edu. For support with online courses, please refer them to the following resources:
- Get Started with TCU Online – Step-by-step guide to begin
- Recorded Video Tutorials – Instructional videos for navigating TCU Online
- Student Support for TCU Online – Help with common issues
- Student How-To Hub – General tech and platform support
Additional Helpful Links for Online Students:
Related Links
