State Authorization

State Authorization for Online Learning

BC3 is approved to offer online courses in most U.S. states. 

Butler County Community College (BC3) is a proud member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA). This means we can offer online courses and programs to students in most U.S. states and territories, thanks to our approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and our membership in NC-SARA (National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements).

What is SARA?

SARA is a national agreement that makes it easier for colleges like BC3 to offer online learning across state lines. If you're taking an online class and you're not in Pennsylvania, SARA helps ensure you get the same quality experience—no matter where you are.

Distance education under SARA includes:

  • Online courses
  • Interactive video instruction (iTV)
  • Correspondence courses
  • Short-term, in-person activities outside of Pennsylvania (such as field trips, internships, clinicals, and student teaching)

Note: Your “location” for SARA purposes is where you’re physically participating in the course, not your permanent address.

Where You Can Study With Us

SARA-Approved States & Territories

BC3 is authorized to offer online learning in the following:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

District of Columbia (D.C.), Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

Currently, BC3 cannot offer online learning to students in:

  • California
  • American Samoa
  • Guam

For the latest updates, visit the NC-SARA state status page.

Complaint Process for Out-of-State Students

If you're an out-of-state student taking online classes with BC3 and need to file a complaint:

Use BC3’s student complaint procedures found in the Academic Catalog.

BC3 Complaint Procedure

Pennsylvania Department of Education
Student Complaints Info
Email: RA-HigherEducation@pa.gov | Phone: 717-783-6786
Address: 607 South Drive, 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120

PDE Complaint Procedure

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
MSCHE Complaint Process
Email: complaints@msche.org
Address: 1007 North Orange St, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801

MSCHE Complaint Procedure

Note: BC3 follows the same student complaint process for all students, no matter where you live.

Supervised Field Experiences 

SARA includes some in-person activities, like: 

  • Internships
  • Clinical placements
  • Student Teaching
  • Field trips and practica

Important limits:

  • We can’t place more than 10 students from the same program at a single out-of-state site unless the host state approves.
  • If your program leads to a professional license or certification, extra approvals may be needed in your state.

Professional Licensure Notice

SARA does not affect state-specific professional licensing requirements. Even if BC3 is authorized to offer online learning in your state, you may still need to meet additional licensure requirements for certain careers.

Please visit our Professional Licensure Information page to learn more about programs at BC3 that typically lead to professional licensure or certification.

Explore SARA

Learn how SARA supports your access to online education.

Visit NC-SARA Site

Check Eligibility

Not sure if your state is approved? We can help you find answers.

Contact Online Learning