Find out about UMGC's authorization to offer education services throughout the United States.
As a Maryland public institution of higher education, University of Maryland Global Campus is committed to operating in compliance with all state regulations for its distance education programs as well as its on-the-ground activities. These include UMGC's hybrid courses and student support services at various locations throughout the United States.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement
The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) worked with various states to develop the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). SARA allows participating colleges and universities to provide online courses and conduct certain activities outside of their home state without having to seek approval from state higher education regulatory entities. Forty-nine states and Washington, D.C., have joined SARA (SARA states). California has not. For more information, visit NC-SARA's website.
To become a member of SARA, the regional education board or compact and home state of an institution must approve participation in SARA. Maryland is an approved SARA state. In addition, the institution must be approved by NC-SARA. On June 7, 2016, NC-SARA approved institutional participation for UMGC.
Distance Education
UMGC is authorized to offer distance education in all SARA states and is offering distance education in compliance with all other states' laws. As such, the university is also offering distance education in compliance with the Department of Education's Title IV state authorization requirements. Changes in state of residence, therefore, shall not impact Title IV eligibility for students taking courses via distance education.
On-the-Ground Activities
UMGC is authorized to offer hybrid courses and/or provide student support services, such as enrollment or academic advising, through approval or exemption by the state higher education regulatory authority in the following states: Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C.
Prospective and Current Student Complaints
Institutions of higher education are required to provide prospective and current students with contact information for relevant state entities tasked with complaint oversight. Find out more about complaint processes and contact information for relevant state entities.
Refund Policy
UMGC complies with the State of Maryland's requirements regarding student refunds and publishes information for current and prospective students on its refunds web page and in its catalogs. These requirements apply to all types of charges for academic and other services for all students. As a participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), UMGC applies the tuition policies of its home state of Maryland to students taking courses via distance education in all SARA states. UMGC complies with the laws regarding student refunds in all states in which it offers courses on-the-ground and received an exemption from compliance with Virginia refund requirements.