What is State Authorization?

State Authorization is the process of gaining approval from other states to operate within their borders. The purpose of state authorization is consumer protection.

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA)

Utah Tech University (UT) is an approved SARA institution within the state of Utah, which is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA).  SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance learning.

Participation in SARA allows UT to provide distance education, including online classes, continuing education opportunities, field trip experiences, and experiential activities to students in the U.S. jurisdictions that have adopted SARA, including 49 states and the District of Columbia.

California, the only state that currently does not participate in SARA.  California does not regulate distance learning by out-of-state institutions if the out-of-state institution’s activities within the state do not constitute “physical presence.” Because UT’s distance learning offerings do not create a physical presence in California, UT is not subject to California’s state authorization requirements. As a result, UT is authorized to offer distance learning courses to students in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Complaints

Per federal law, students who have petitions/complaints against the school relating to fraud, false advertising, or other deceptive practices can report their petitions/complaints to UT by following the Student Petition/Complaint Process.

Updated:  7/1/2023