NOTE: Efforts are made to ensure that the below information is accurate and current. If you are from an academic unit and have specific questions, please contact your World Campus program manager. Thank you!
GOVERNANCE — About the State Authorization Regulations
What are state authorizations?
State authorizations require all institutions of higher education to comply with the rules and regulations of every state and territory in which they operate. The regulations are intended for consumer protection of students as they enroll in programs that are based outside of their home states. An “authorized” or “approved” status means that the World Campus program has documented approval or exemption within the state or territory.
When did these rules come into effect?
State regulations have been in effect for many years, but it wasn’t until an October 2010 federal ruling that this came to the forefront for post-secondary institutions.
Who was responsible for these rules? Is it the fault of the federal or state government?
Responsibility lies in the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave states purview over activities not controlled by the federal government – one of these is education. States are therefore entitled to enact their own respective regulations.
How is the state allowed to deny my choice in education?
Per the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, states have the right to oversee education standards and offerings within their respective borders.
Where can I learn more about these regulations?
- The U.S. Department of Education website is a good place to start
- Another great resource is the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association website
- The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements offers information on the status of national reciprocity
PENN STATE – Online Programs and University Efforts
What is Penn State doing about the state authorization regulations?
A University compliance team has been actively working on this since the initial federal announcement. Each state has its own set of parameters, and the compliance team has worked with regulators to understand requirements and fees, submitted registration applications, and tracked compliance progress.
How can Penn State not be recognized as a legitimate educator?
It isn’t that Penn State is not considered legitimate. The intent of these rules is to ensure students’ consumer protections, and all institutions are obligated to be compliant.
Why is X program allowed, but not the program I want?
While the vast majority of our programs have not had any authorization issues, state-specific administrative requirements are making a few programs ineligible in particular states.
Where can I find information on any known program restrictions?
The World Campus website has a link at the bottom of every page which leads to information on State Regulations.
When will I be able to enroll in this program at Penn State?
Enrollment restrictions are dependent upon the situation in the student’s home state. Penn State will only discourage students from enrolling when a state regulator has specifically instructed us not to enroll students or we are not permitted to offer a program in the student’s home state. When this occurs, the student will only be able to enroll in the program when the authorization status changes and/or approval has been granted by the state regulator.
How do you track the movement of students from state to state?
When a student changes his or her residential address, the information is documented in Penn State’s databases. This information is pulled each semester for the purpose of state authorizations.
STUDENTS — Impact, Course of Action, and Options
Why can’t I enroll in this program?
A few states have regulations that some of Penn State’s programs do not meet at this time. The hurdles are administrative in nature and do not suggest any issues with the quality or academic rigor of Penn State programs. The University compliance office is attempting to address all such situations in the most optimal manner possible.
Where does my state expect me to go?
Penn State World Campus is working to be fully compliant in all states and territories; however, we cannot attest to what a student’s home state decides. This would best be discussed with a student’s state higher education agency.
What can I do to ensure that I am able to enroll?
If a student is concerned about the status of a Penn State World Campus campus program in his or her home state, contact the World Campus Admissions Services office (800-252-3592, wdadmissions@outreach.psu.edu).
What is my best course of action if authorization is “pending” in my state?
Students may choose or be required to delay enrolling in a World Campus program if it is in “pending” status with their home state. Only in extreme cases has a student postponed enrollment entirely. Students should direct their questions to the World Campus Admissions Services office (800-252-3592, wdadmissions@outreach.psu.edu).
What are the alternatives if the program isn’t authorized in my state?
If a student is uncomfortable with enrolling in a Penn State World Campus program because it is not in “authorized” status in his or her home state, the student may wait until the program is authorized or select a different program. Of course, students are always entitled to pursue courses, but they will not “count” toward a degree if the program is disallowed in their state.
Who can I contact in my state about changing this?
This would be best be discussed with a student’s state higher education agency.
What is considered the “home state” of military personnel?
A military student is considered a resident of the state in which his or her military base is located, even though bases are federal property.
Are there similar programs that I am allowed to take?
In many cases, yes. Students should speak with an adviser.
I’m not interested in the degree itself; may I just take courses?
Students are always entitled to pursue courses rather than programs; however, the courses will not “count” toward a degree if the program is disallowed in their state.
I am currently enrolled in (or have transferred into) an excluded program; do I need to transfer out?
The World Campus will work with that specific state’s regulators to come to an amicable solution for everyone. There are no students currently in this position. Students should contact the World Campus Admissions Services office (800-252-3592, wdadmissions@outreach.psu.edu).
Where would you recommend I turn for getting this type of degree in my home state?
This would be best be discussed with a student’s state higher education agency.
Additional Information
- Review information for academic partners
- Check out the map for an overall look at our progress to date
- Available external resources
- Please contact us with any questions
PLEASE NOTE: The information regarding “State Authorization Regulations” on this website is intended for internal University audiences only.