University of Illinois System
University of Illinois Online

NC-SARA Participating Institution

State Authorization

In 2015, Illinois became a SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) state. SARA is a voluntary agreement among its member states and U.S. territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance-education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state.

Current authorized SARA member states include: All U.S. States and Territories excluding California. For NC-SARA Complaint Information, visit the NC-SARA Directory.

Professional Licensure

If your program leads to a professional license or certification, authorization may be required from the state professional licensing board prior to beginning a clinical or field experience in a state other than Illinois. Check with your internship or clinical coordinator with questions about state professional licensing board requirements prior to beginning an internship or field experience in another state. You can find more information about licensure by state below. Professional licensure information is listed for Accountancy, Education, Engineering, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, and Veterinary Medicine.

Complaint Procedures

Pursuant to the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Integrity Rules, the University of Illinois System must provide to its out-of-state distance education students or prospective students the contact information for filing complaints with each state licensing entity and any other relevant agency that would handle the complaint.

If a student located in a SARA state has a complaint about an institution operating under SARA, complaints must first go through the institution's standard procedure for resolution of student grievances. If a student is not satisfied with the outcome of the institutional process, the complaint may then be brought to the SARA portal agency in the institution's home state. The state where the student is located also may resolve the complaint. Although students may choose to work through their own state's SARA office for complaint resolution, the SARA office of the state where the provider is located is responsible for staffing the investigation and complaint resolution.

For a complete state by state listing of licensing and complaint information, see below.

Licensure Information by State

State Licensing Agency Professional Board Licensure Student Complaint Information
Alabama Alabama Commission on Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine ACCS Student Complaints
Alaska Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine ACPE Consumer Protection & Student Complaints
American Samoa Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, American Samoa, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine https://www.wiche.edu/about/contact-us/ --- https://www.wiche.edu/resources/federal-student-complaint-regulation-clarifying-misconc
Arizona Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Arizona PPSE Student Complaint Procedures
Arkansas Arkansas Department of Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine ADHE Student Resources
California California State Assembly Committee on Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine DCA is Here to Help
Colorado Colorado Department of Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine CDHE Complaint Procedures
Connecticut Connecticut Office of Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Connecticut Student Complaints
Delaware Delaware Department of Education Higher Education Office Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Delaware Student Complaints
District of Columbia District of Columbia Higher Education Licensure Commission Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine DC HELC Student FAQ
Florida Florida Commission for Independent Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Florida Student Complaint Process
Georgia Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine GA-SARA Online Student Complaint Form
Guam Guam Department of Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Guam — Student Complaint Form
Hawaii Hawaii Postsecondary Education Authorization Program Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine HPEAP SARA Complaint Process
Idaho Idaho State Board of Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Idaho OSBE Student Complaint Procedures
Illinois Illinois Board of Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine IBHE Complaint System
Indiana Indiana Commission for Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Indiana CHE Student Complaints
Iowa Iowa Department of Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Iowa Higher Education Student Complaints
Kansas Kansas Board of Regents Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine SARA Complaint Procedure (PDF)
Kentucky Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Kentucky CPE: How to File a Consumer Complaint
Louisiana Louisiana Board of Regents Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Louisiana Board of Regents Student Complaint
Maine Maine Department of Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Maine DOE Complaint Form
Maryland Maryland Higher Education Commission Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Maryland Department of Academic Affairs
Massachusetts Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Massachusetts DHE Complaints
Michigan Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Michigan LEO Post-Secondary Schools Complaints
Minnesota Minnesota Office of Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Minnesota OHE Complaint Form (.pdf)
Mississippi Mississippi Public Universities Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine MCCA Student Complaint Form (.pdf)
Missouri Missouri Department of Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine CBHE Policy on Complaint Resolution (.pdf)
Montana Montana University System Office of the Commissioner of Higher Educ Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Notification of Montana Postsecondary Educational Institution Complaint Process
Nebraska Nebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Nebraska CCPE Student Complaints
Nevada Nevada System of Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Nevada CPE Student Complaint Form (.pdf)
New Hampshire New Hampshire Department of Education Higher Education Commission Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Higher Education in New Hampshire
New Jersey New Jersey Secretary for Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine New Jersey OSHE Complaint Form (.pdf)
New Mexico New Mexico Higher Education Department Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine NMHED Student Complaints
New York The New York State Education Department's Office of Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine NYSED Filing a Complaint About a College or University
North Carolina North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine UNC Student Complaint Process (.pdf)
North Dakota North Dakota State Board of Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine North Dakota University System State Authorization
Ohio Ohio Department of Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Ohio Department of Higher Education Student Complaint Information
Oklahoma Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine OSRHE Student Complaints
Oregon Oregon Office of Degree Authorization Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Oregon HECC Student Complaints
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Department of Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine PDE Higher Education Complaint Form (.pdf)
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Department of Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Regulation for the Licensing of Institutions of Higher Education in Puerto Rico (.pdf)
Rhode Island Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine RI OPC Help for Students
South Carolina South Carolina Commission on Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine South Carolina CHE Student Complaint Procedures and Form (.pdf)
Tennessee Tennessee Higher Education Commission Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine THEC Request for Complaint Review
Texas Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine THECB Student Complaints
Utah Utah Division of Consumer Protection Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Utah State Authorization
Vermont Vermont Agency of Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Vermont Complaint Resoluction of Postsecondary Schools
Virgin Islands U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Virgin Islands Student Complaints Process (.pdf)
Virginia Virginia State Council of Higher Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine SCHEV Student Complaints
Washington Washington Student Achievement Council Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine WSAC Student Complaints
West Virginia West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine WVHEPC Student Complaint Process
Wisconsin State of Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine Wisconsin DLAB For Students
Wyoming Wyoming Department of Education Accountancy, Architecture, Athletic Training, Medical/Clinical Lab Science, Counseling, Dentistry, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Geology, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Urban Planning, Veterinary Medicine WDE Private School Licensing