Augusta University (AU) has taken steps to protect its students and operations by participation in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). NC-SARA is a national initiative to provide more access to programs and courses while maintaining compliance standards with state regulatory agencies.
As a NC-SARA approved institution, AU is authorized to offer our online programs to students living in SARA states/territories. AU activity in California is currently exempt from authorization by the state approving agency.
To offer online programs to students who live outside of Georgia, or to enroll students in field experiences that will take place outside of Georgia (such as internships, clinicals, practicums, student teaching), Augusta University must meet all of the regulatory requirements of the state where the activity will take place. Academic programs will send notice to students when they determine that the programs academic curriculum no longer meet the licensure or accreditation standards within their state or declared location.
For programs related to licensed professions (i.e. Teacher Education, Education Leadership, and Allied Health) the university must also meet the requirements of the state licensing board before the program can be offered in that state. See the section below on Professional Licensure Program Authorization for more information on our ability to offer those programs.
If you will be living internationally, or have any questions about the information on this page, please contact the office of The Vice Provost for Instruction 706-721-3256.
If you are expecting a change in your physical location, contact the Registrar's office as soon as you know the anticipated location(s). Physical presence in a location where we do not meet state regulatory requirements can negatively impact our ability to offer you federal financial aid, military tuition assistance, or your continuation with in the program. These restrictions extend to courses taken online over the summer, and to internships, clinicals or other forms of field experiences if they are conducted outside of an approved state. Students are responsible for providing accurate and updated information about their physical presence to the institution.
Early notification allows the institution to minimize, but may not prevent, the possibility of program delays.
Augusta University seeks to resolve concerns and complaints in a fair and prompt manner. Students located in other NC-SARA states who have a complaint may submit their concerns to the appropriate department. Complaints about grades or student conduct should be submitted to the university and may not be appealed to the SARA portal agency. Before pursuing external options, exhaust all internal avenues of complaint resolution by first completing the Augusta University Complaint Form.
If a complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting Augusta University’s procedure described above, the student may file a complaint with the following agencies:
Address: 2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220 Tucker, GA 30084
Phone: 770-414-3310
Email: adamh@gnpec.ga.gov
Address: 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033
Phone: (404) 679-4500
Visit the Complaints Against Institutions: Information Sheet and Form to inform SACSCOC of the complaint.
Accreditation
Augusta 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 Augusta 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.
NC-SARA Authorization
Augusta University is an institutional participant in The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) initiative. With this membership, Augusta University programs are available to students who reside in all the 49 member states.
Non-SARA Authorization
Augusta 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 Augusta to offer educational activities
in California is not required.
Adverse Actions Initiated by a State Agency
Augusta 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
Augusta 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
The Augusta University Refund Policy follows the University System of Georgia Board of Regents policy in the USG Policy Manual 7.3.5.
Students who matriculate online from their state of residence may be governed by refund policies mandated by the particular state in question. Please contact The Business Office for more information.
International Students
State authorization regulations do not apply to students accessing courses or programs while located outside of the United States. While we carefully track issues related to international authorization and licensure, it is a student’s responsibility to understand requirements related to whether Augusta University degree will be recognized in a country other than the United States, how the collection of student data may be used in another country, and whether withholding taxes (in addition to the price of tuition) will apply. Some countries may not formally recognize foreign online degrees, which may have implications for students who later seek to enroll in other educational programs, or for those who seek employment with that country’s government or other employers requiring specific credentials.
International students considering an academic program that leads to a professional license should first confirm with the appropriate professional licensing board in their country of residence or the country where they intend to work as to whether an Augusta University degree will be recognized when seeking licensure or certification.
For Students FAQs
For Faculty and Staff FAQs
AU makes every effort to ensure information about educational requirements for licensure and/or certification is current; however, state requirements may change. Separate from educational requirements, state licensure boards may require applicants to complete professional examinations, background checks, years of professional experience, jurisprudence exams, training, etc. If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Georgia, it is strongly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing entity in that state to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements before beginning an academic program.
Review the programs below to see if the program you’re interested in meets the educational requirements for licensing/certification in your home state (or state where you intend to work). If Augusta University has not determined whether completion of a licensure program meets educational requirements for licensure or certification in a state, you should contact the state licensing entity to determine whether completion of the Augusta University licensure program meets educational requirements for licensure in the state.