State authorization refers to the processes an institution must follow to ensure all legislative requirements are met in all states where students are located. Most states have specific requirements regarding obtaining approval to offer interstate distance education to students residing within that state.
National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements
On October 17, 2014, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) approved Virginia as a member state to participate in National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), and on September 8, 2016, George Mason University became an institutional participant in the NC-SARA initiative. With this membership, George Mason University programs are automatically available to students who reside in 49 participating states and U.S. territories that participate in NC-SARA. At present, only California has not yet joined the NC-SARA initiative. However, California law permits its students to enroll in out-of-state programs.
For complete, state/territory-specific information regarding Mason’s authorization to provide distance education, please see the listing at the bottom of this page.
Student Complaint Policy for Distance Education Students
For information regarding resolving student concerns for distance education courses or programs, please see the Mason Online Student Complaint Policy page.
Disclosures
Accreditation
George Mason University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Questions about the accreditation of George Mason University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website.
Authorization
George Mason University is authorized to deliver out-of-state educational activities in all 50 states. Please see the authorization map below for additional information.
SARA Authorization
George Mason University is an institutional participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) initiative. With this membership, George Mason University programs are automatically available to students who reside in the 49 participating states.
Non-SARA Authorization
George Mason University may also offer courses or programs to students located in states that have not joined SARA.
California
The California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education does not regulate out-of-state public institutions. Therefore, Bureau approval for George Mason to offer educational activities in California is not required.
Adverse Actions Initiated by a State Agency
George Mason University distance education programs have no previous, current, or pending adverse actions initiated by any state agencies within the past five calendar years.
Adverse Actions Initiated by an Accrediting Agency
George Mason University distance education programs have no previous, current, or pending adverse actions initiated by any accrediting agencies within the past five calendar years.
Refund Policies
George Mason University follows the refund policy stated in the financial aid handbook.
Students who matriculate online from their state of residence may be governed by refund policies mandated by the particular state in question. If the George Mason University refund policy is more beneficial to students, the institution shall follow its refund policy and provide for refunds of tuition to out-of-state students as provided in that policy.
International Students
Prior to enrolling in any George Mason University PLC program, prospective students living and/or working outside of the United States should confirm with the appropriate certifying agency whether successful completion of a George Mason University degree program will meet their credentialing requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Student FAQs
Q: Can I complete field experience in a state other than Virginia?
A: Yes, George Mason is authorized to place students in field experiences in all 50 states. There are limitations on the number of students that can be placed at a placement facility at one time in SARA states, and there are additional requirements in Colorado (see below).
Additionally, George Mason University is required to report on our out-of-state field placements. The college will need to be informed of the state and zip code where the field experience is being completed.
Q: Can I complete a field experience in Colorado?
A: Yes, but prior to beginning a field experience at a Colorado placement facility, students should work with their internship coordinator to ensure that worker’s compensation insurance requirements are met.
The Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act requires student interns to be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. George Mason is not able to add students to its institutional workers’ compensation policy.
Q: After completing a program that leads to licensure in Virginia, can I seek professional licensure in another state?
A: Please visit Mason’s Professional Licensure and Certifications for disclosures and information related to professional licensure preparation at George Mason University.
Q: I live outside the United States. Can I enroll in a George Mason University online program?
A: George Mason University works to provide global access to its online programs. While the State Authorization Team carefully tracks issues related to international authorization, we advise students to understand regulations and requirements related to online programs in their country of residence. This includes whether the country will recognize an online degree, if there are additional withholding taxes (in addition to tuition) in your country, and whether the program meets any license or certification requirements in your country.
Visit Mason Online for more information about George Mason University’s online programs, and contact a program to verify eligibility.
Q: I am an international student enrolled in a traditional program in Virginia. Can I enroll in online courses, or switch to a 100% online program while living in Virginia?
A: There are restrictions on the number of online credit hours that an international student may count toward a full course of study each semester. The Office of International Programs and Services can answer specific questions related to international students who are completing courses while living in the United States.
Faculty and Staff FAQs
Q: Doesn’t state authorization only apply to online programs?
A: State authorization applies to all for-credit, out-of-state educational activities, including online courses or programs, and out-of-state field experiences such as internships, clinicals, and practicums.
Q: Why does it matter?
A: In order to offer educational opportunities to students outside Virginia, George Mason University must comply with state and federal authorization laws. Federal regulations require an institution to be authorized in every state where a student resides in order for the institution to participate in Title IV federal financial aid programs.
Requiring authorization of distance education programs also protects students as consumers. Authorization laws help to ensure a student is not investing in a program that is not legitimate or a program that does not lead to the license or credential the student was expecting.
Q: Does SARA cover professional licensing board authorizations in other states?
A: SARA does not cover professional licensing board approvals. If your program leads to licensure, authorization may be required from the licensing board in another state before participation in a field experience in that state.
Q: What kind of information does the State Authorization Team need from my college/school/department?
A: As a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)—which provides a voluntary regional approach to state authorization of postsecondary distance education—Mason is required to report to NC-SARA the enrollments of out-of-state online students and Out-of-State Learning Placements (OOSLP) of both on-ground and online students.
Mason’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning maintains data regarding out-of-state online student populations for the first of these reports. For the second report, OOSLP will reach out to each of the colleges/schools annually for assistance in gathering data for the OOSLP report.
NC-SARA has established the following criteria for OOSLP reporting:
-
The Placement started in the most recently ended calendar year
-
The Placement is outside of the home state of the SARA institution (i.e, outside of Virginia)
-
The Placement involved the physical presence of the student at the out-of-state location(s)
-
One of more of the following is true:
-
The Placement is an activity required for degree completion
-
The Placement is an activity required for professional licensure
-
The Placement is offered for credit
-
The placement is offered for a fee
-
Additional caveats:
-
Short courses and field trips are NOT to be included in placements.
-
Internships and placements that are fully online and where the student is not physically present in another state are not reported; the institution does not report a virtual learning placement.
-
Count EACH Learning placement. If a student engaged in multiple out-of-state learning placements, please include that student for EACH placement.
Q: What other considerations should we keep in mind?
A: Programs of study that typically require additional licensure or certification to practice in the field may require us to gain programmatic authorization within a state before we are authorized to serve residents. Additionally, these programs may need to review their curriculum to determine if it aligns with licensure requirements in other states. If your department’s program does not fit licensure requirements in another state, you should refrain from enrolling students in that state. The most common fields listed by states as requiring programmatic approval/licensure are: nursing, social work, psychology, and education. Some states list engineering and allied health programs, as well.
As George Mason University continues to develop and launch new online programs and course offerings, collaborations between departments and coordinators will help us identify potential authorization triggers while maintaining our good faith compliance efforts and growing our programs.
Authorization by State
Alabama
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Alabama regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Alaska
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Alaska regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
American Samoa*
George Mason University does not have physical presence as defined by the regulations in the U.S. territories. Therefore, GMU is in compliance to offer online/distance learning programs to residents of the U.S. territories.
Arizona
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Arizona regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Arkansas
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Arkansas regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Arkansas Division of Higher EducationCalifornia Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
California*
The California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education does not regulate out-of-state public institutions. Therefore, Bureau approval for George Mason to offer educational activities in California is not required.
Student Consumer Protection
Colorado
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Colorado regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Connecticut
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Connecticut regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Delaware
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Delaware regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
District of Columbia
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with District of Columbia regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Federated States of Micronesia*
George Mason University does not have physical presence as defined by the regulations in the U.S. territories. Therefore, GMU is in compliance to offer online/distance learning programs to residents of the U.S. territories.
Florida
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Florida regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Georgia
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Georgia regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Guam*
George Mason University does not have physical presence as defined by the regulations in the U.S. territories. Therefore, GMU is in compliance to offer online/distance learning programs to residents of the U.S. territories.
Hawaii
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Hawaii regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Idaho
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Idaho regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Illinois
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Illinois regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Indiana
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Indiana regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Iowa
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Iowa regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Kansas
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Kansas regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Kentucky
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Kentucky regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Louisiana
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Louisiana regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Maine
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Maine regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Marshall Islands*
George Mason University does not have physical presence as defined by the regulations in the U.S. territories. Therefore, GMU is in compliance to offer online/distance learning programs to residents of the U.S. territories.
Maryland
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Maryland regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Massachusetts
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Massachusetts regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Michigan
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Michigan regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Minnesota
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Minnesota regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Mississippi
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Mississippi regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Missouri
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Missouri regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
Montana
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Montana regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Nebraska
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Nebraska regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
Nevada
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Nevada regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
New Hampshire
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with New Hampshire regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
New Jersey
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with New Jersey regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
New Mexico
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with New Mexico regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
New York
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with New York regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
North Carolina
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with North Carolina regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
North Dakota
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with North Dakota regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Northern Mariana Islands*
George Mason University does not have physical presence as defined by the regulations in the U.S. territories. Therefore, GMU is in compliance to offer online/distance learning programs to residents of the U.S. territories.
Ohio
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Ohio regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Oklahoma
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Oklahoma regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Oregon
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Oregon regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Pennsylvania
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Pennsylvania regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Puerto Rico
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Puerto Rico regulations to offer programs to residents of the territory.
Student Consumer Protection
Puerto Rico State Department—Board of Postsecondary Institutions
Republic of Palau*
George Mason University does not have physical presence as defined by the regulations in the U.S. territories. Therefore, GMU is in compliance to offer online/distance learning programs to residents of the U.S. territories.
Rhode Island
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Rhode Island regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
South Carolina
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with South Carolina regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
South Dakota
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with South Dakota regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Tennessee
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Tennessee regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
U.S. Virgin Islands
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with the U.S. Virgin Islands regulations to offer programs to residents of this territory.
Student Consumer Information
Utah
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Utah regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Vermont
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Vermont regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Virginia
George Mason University is in compliance with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to offer online/distance learning programs to Virginia residents.
Student Consumer Protection
Washington
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Washington regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
West Virginia
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with West Virginia regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Wisconsin
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Wisconsin regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
Wyoming
As an approved SARA institution, George Mason University is in compliance with Wyoming regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.
Student Consumer Protection
*Not a SARA state
Contact Us
Please email the State Authorization Team at stauth@gmu.edu with any questions related to authorization for courses/programs that take place outside Virginia.