What is SARA?
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories that establishes national standards for postsecondary distance education courses and programs. SARA is overseen by a national council. Four regional education compacts administer SARA.
Currently, 49 states, the District of Columbia, and 2 U.S. territories have become members of SARA. A degree-granting institution may participate in SARA if it meets the standards outlined in the SARA Policy Manual. Participation permits institutions to offer distance education courses or programs to students who live in other states.
The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) administers SARA on behalf of Washington State. WSAC ensures the state and its participating institutions meet SARA's standards.
Washington schools seeking to participate in SARA should contact Sam Loftin (degreeauthorization@wsac.wa.gov) for application information.
Additional information on SARA, a map of SARA member states, and participating schools can be found at: www.nc-sara.org.
Student Complaints
Students enrolled in a distance learning program offered by a SARA-participating Washington school can use WSAC's student complaint process even if they live outside of Washington State.
Institutional Appeals
If an institution is denied SARA participation, it can submit an appeal through the institutional appeals process. Appeals can be submitted to Sam Loftin at degreeauthorization@wsac.wa.gov.
Recent WA Legislation Regarding SARA
In 2025, the Washington State legislature passed EHB 1279. This bill seeks to protect students enrolled in distance education programs.
What does the bill do?
The bill prevents Washington’s participation in a state authorization reciprocity agreement if it reduces student consumer protections or prevents the state from investigating complaints submitted by Washington students. It also requires students to receive a notice if their institution is at risk of losing accreditation or participation in financial aid programs. These conditions become effective July 1, 2028.
What is the impact of the bill?
The bill has no immediate impact on Washington’s participation in SARA, and it has no impact on SARA institutions. SARA institutions are not required to apply for authorization to operate in Washington State for activities that are covered under SARA policy and are not required to change how they enroll or serve Washington students enrolled in distance education programs. Non-SARA institutions can contact us at degreeauthorization@wsac.wa.gov for more information.
Why did Washington State pass this bill?
The bill highlights that SARA prevents states from using consumer protections that Washington’s legislature previously adopted. State authorization reciprocity should not diminish student consumer protections; instead, it should support states’ efforts to protect students.
Attorneys General from at least 26 states and the District of Columbia have urged NC-SARA to adopt similar changes. Many student advocacy groups, consumer law attorneys, and consumer protection organizations have also supported these changes. For more information about impacts of EHB 1279, contact degreeauthorization@wsac.wa.gov.