State Authorization

The University of Kansas offers distance learning opportunities for students living across the United States. Pursuant with the U.S. Department of Education's regulation (34 C.F.R. § 600.9) regarding distance learning in the United States, the University of Kansas must obtain authorization from each state in which KU distance learning programs are offered. The university must also comply with the distance learning regulations established by each state.

Refer to KU's State Authorization website for information regarding KU's authorization status. Questions regarding KU's authorization status in a particular state may be directed to the KU Center for Online and Distance Learning at onlinelearning@ku.edu or 785-864-1000.

Important Notes

  • All distance learning programs at the University of Kansas have been approved by the Kansas Board of Regents. To view a list of the distance learning programs currently offered, visit https://online.ku.edu.
  • In general, degree programs in specialized career areas (education, nursing, etc.) will not lead to licensure in states other than Kansas. Students planning to apply for licensure in their home state should check with their program coordinator and home state for policies and procedures regarding licensure.  Additional information regarding professional licensure can be found at https://online.ku.edu/state-authorization.
  • The transfer of course/degree credit is determined by the receiving institution.  Students who wish to transfer KU credit should check with their home institution before enrolling in a KU course.

Complaint Process

Students who wish to file a formal complaint may find resources for conflict resolution listed at https://online.ku.edu/state-authorization and a general overview of the resolution process at KU at https://studentaffairs.ku.edu/solving-problems


State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA)

As of January 16, 2015, the University of Kansas has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, which is a state-level reciprocity process aimed at making the effort to obtain state authorizations more efficient for institutions and to make it easier for students to enroll in distance education programs outside of the states in which they reside. Institutions that are members of SARA are authorized to provide education to students from all SARA member states.  States and institutions that choose to become members of SARA operate under a set of policies and standards that are overseen by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and administered by four regional higher education compacts.  For more information about the SARA initiative and the progress of state and institutional membership, please visit the NC-SARA website.