Can an out-of-state college or university offer online programs in CT?
Out-of-state colleges and universities can offer online programs to Connecticut students with the authorization of the Office of Higher Education (OHE).
This applies to any college or university that:
- Does not have a physical presence in Connecticut.
- Is NOT a member institution of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
CT’s OHE does not authorize instruction offered by out-of-state colleges and universities exclusively through:
- Internships
- Externships
- Student teaching
- Clinical placements
- Field placements
- Practical experience
Conditions for authorization of out-of-state colleges and universities
CT OHE can authorize out-of-state institutions that are:
- Accredited by a recognized accrediting agency of the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).
- In good standing with the accreditor and home-state regulators.
- Have a federal financial composite score of 1.5 or greater.
- Have a student complaints webpage. The page should refer CT students to OHE to file out-of-state student complaints.
- Use good academic standards, are financially stable, and have rules that protect students.
- Abide by Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions (C-RAC) guidelines (PDF).
- Work with CT OHE to resolve any complaints from students in CT.
- Follow CT OHE’s decisions about student complaints.
- Notify CT students in writing if a program does not qualify for a professional license in the state.
- Pay the annual, non-refundable CT out-of-state application fee.
CT OHE may review institutions for provisional authorization in the following cases:
- School is not in good standing with the accreditor and/or home state regulator.
- The Federal Composite Financial Score is between 1 and 1.49.
If a school in a SARA member state is ineligible for SARA, it may not qualify for OHE authorization. CT OHE will assess these schools on a case-by-case basis.
Review and Authorization Process
CT OHE will review your application upon submission and payment of the application fee. If approved, CT OHE will send an authorization letter that is valid until the end of the calendar year.
Annual Application Fees
- $3,300 for institutions with a full-time enrollment (FTE) of 1–1,999 students
- $6,600 for institutions with FTE 2,000–9,999
- $9,900 for institutions with FTE 10,000–29,999
- $11,000 for institutions with FTE 30,000+
Gain OHE approval as a non-SARA out-of-state institution
If your school does not have a physical presence in CT, and you are not a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), use one of these forms to submit a request:
- Apply and pay by credit or debit card. Note that an additional 3% convenience fee will apply.
- Apply and pay by ACH/e-check.