State Authorizations

Overview

Online and distance education is an important part of The University of Texas Permian Basin's program offerings, with many students participating in federal financial aid.  Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 include changes in regulation for State Authorization that may impact online education providers.  The relevant languages includes:

If an institution is offering post secondary education to students in a State in which it is not physically located or in which it is otherwise subject to State jurisdiction as determined by the State, the institution must meet any State requirements for it to be legally offering post secondary online education in that State. An institution must be able to document to the Secretary the State's approval upon request.  (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1001 and 1002)

The authorization is required to maintain eligibility for students of that state to receive Federal financial aid. In compliance with the USDOE State Authorization Regulations in Section 600.9 of the October 29, 2010, final program integrity rule, The University of Texas System has made a "good faith effort" in pursuing state authorization from all 54 states and territories within the U.S. The UT System and UT Permian Basin are working with the Department of Education and higher education agencies in all states and other U.S. jurisdictions to comply with required authorizations so that we can continue to provide educational access to students across the country.  We are evaluating and working to comply with these various requirements and will provide up-to-date information when available.

Why It Matters To You

Before UT Permian Basin can accept an enrollment from an exclusively online student, the University must be in compliance with the regulations on distance education in the state in which the student resides. In 2016 UT Permian Basin was accepted as a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). As a member of NC-SARA, UT Permian Basin has agreed to abide by national standards for the interstate offering of post-secondary distance education courses and programs. Membership to NC-SARA eases the institutional regulatory requirements at the states' level, allowing for broader access to online learning to students in SARA-participant states.

Student Complaints

UT Permian Basin encourages you to resolve issues or complaints by using the University Complaint Form or the student grievance process. However, if an issue cannot be resolved internally, you may file a complaint about UT Permian Basin with your University's accrediting organization.  If you have questions about your state of residence and UT Permian Basin on the USDOE state authorization requirement, please contact REACH or the Admissions Office.

UT Permian Basin Approved States for Online Learning

The University will continue to monitor developments in state laws in each state in which it enrolls students, and, if authorization or licensure is or becomes necessary, will obtain such additional approvals.