State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
Northwestern College participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) through its approval by the Bureau of Iowa College Aid. SARA is an agreement among member states that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. The agreement allows the college to offer online courses and programs, supervised field experiences, student teaching, and most clinical placements to students who reside in
states that also participate in SARA.
Online programs that lead to licensure or certification in Iowa may not meet requirements in another state for similar licensure. If you do not reside in Iowa, please contact online@nwciowa.edu so we may determine whether our program meets the requirements for professional licensure in your state.
Online students residing in Iowa or a SARA member state who have a complaint with Northwestern College should first attempt to resolve their grievance directly with the college through its
Title IX Grievance Procedure or
Academic Appeals process. If an online student residing outside Iowa is unsatisfied with the resolution, the grievance may be filed with the Bureau of Iowa College Aid.
Bureau of Iowa College Aid, Iowa Department of Education
400 E. 14th St., Des Moines, IA 50319-0416
Toll free: 877-272-4456
Fax: 515-242-5988
Iowa Department of Education website
Student complaints webpage
