State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement
State and federal law require colleges and universities to be authorized to offer online degree programs for students in states other than their own.
Important: Must be reviewed by all out-of-state students
To help oversee the delivery of postsecondary distance education, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) has established comparable national standards for the interstate offering of distance-education courses and programs. The NC-SARA is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. The state of Iowa participates in SARA and Loras College is an approved SARA institution through the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. This approval allows Loras College to accept students and deliver online education to students who reside in other NC-SARA participating states. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. The terms and conditions of SARA can be found in SARA Policies and Standards.
For Online or distance-education students, the state agency depends on the student’s state of residence.
Information regarding states not participating in SARA
California is the only state not currently participating in NC-SARA. Based on U.S. Department of Education regulations, students from California enrolled in online programs at Loras College are ineligible for Title IV aid. California Title IV Aid
International Students
Loras College welcomes international students to online degree programs. While we monitor issues related to international authorization, the student is responsible to understand current circumstances or requirements regarding whether an online degree is recognized in a country other than the United States. Students may also need to be aware that some countries may not formally recognize foreign online degrees, which may have implications for those who later seek to enroll in other educational programs.
Refund Policy
The Loras College refund policy can be found here: Refund Policy.
Grievance Process
Loras College is dedicated to providing a quality education and student experience. If a complaint or concern arises, we will work with students to resolve the issue. Most complaints can be resolved utilizing the internal processes available. If a student has a complaint that involves distance learning education, the student must file a complaint with Loras College first to seek resolution. If no resolution is reached, the student may file a complaint with Iowa College Aid Complaint Form and follow the SARA Complaint Process.
Iowa College Student Aid Commission
Student Complaint Form
1-877-272-4456
Complaint Process Non-SARA State
Please see below for complaint information if you reside in California.
California
Loras College is not required to seek approval from the Bureau for Private Post-secondary Education and can offer 100% online programs to residents of California, however, these students are not eligible for Title IV aid. Internships, externships, and clinical placements are permitted in California for online and campus-based courses and programs.
California Student Complaint Process Contact:
California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education
PO Box 980818
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818
bppe@dca.ca.gov
Filing a complaint
If you have questions or need assistance with filing a complaint, visit the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
Resources for military students, veterans, and their dependents
- Military Students using TA benefits and Military Dependents using MyCAA may contact Army Education Resources
- Montgomery or Post 9/11 GI Bill® recipients may contact the Department of Veterans Affairs
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Resources for students regarding financial aid
- Federal financial aid (e.g. Pell Grant) recipients may contact the Department of Education: ComplianceComplaints@ed.gov
- Private student loan recipients may contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
For additional resources, feel free to visit the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).