What is SARA?

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. SARA is overseen by a National Council and administered by four regional education compacts.

How does my institution join?

Idaho institutions that meet the qualifications of SARA and whose home state is Idaho may apply through the Idaho State Board of Education (SBOE) to become a SARA approved and admitted institution. Applicants must complete a SARA Institutional Application, and pay $1,500 state fee (state fee is subject to change). The state application fee and all supporting documents are due at the time of your submission. Checks must be made payable to the Idaho State Board of Education. Mail application and fee to:

Upon annual state approval, institutions register and pay an annual SARA fee to the National Council for SARA.

Approved SARA Institutions

Visit the NC-SARA site for a complete list of approved SARA institutions.