Are You Ready for the SARA Policy Changes? What Institutions Need to Know Before July 1, 2025
When this was published in June 2025, the impact of SARA Policy 5.2 was still taking shape. Since then, NC-SARA has provided important clarifications, offering a clearer roadmap for implementation. Explore our latest blogs for the most up-to-date insights and guidance.
The clock is ticking. Beginning July 1, 2025, significant changes to State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) policy will impact any institution offering programs designed or advertised to lead to professional licensure—including non-Title IV programs. If your college or university participates in SARA, it’s time to gear up.
At HELP, we’ve been deep in the weeds preparing for these shifts. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s changing—and what you need to do now.
What’s Changing?
Under the updated SARA Policy §5.2, all institutions participating in SARA must meet federal disclosure requirements for licensure-related programs. This includes:
Identifying whether your program “meets” or “does not meet” educational requirements in each state or territory where you enroll or recruit students, or advertise the program.
Updating public disclosures and individual direct disclosures for current and prospective students—based on student location policies.
And yes, this includes non-credit programs and offerings that are designed or marketed for licensure.
Why It Matters
Failing to comply isn’t just a paperwork issue—it can put your institution’s Title IV eligibility and SARA participation at risk. Accrediting agencies are also tightening enforcement. Bottom line: getting this right protects your students and your institution.
The Challenges Are Real
Determining whether a program “meets” licensure requirements in 59 U.S. states and territories is no small feat. It requires:
Deep-dive research into each jurisdiction’s rules
Curriculum comparisons, including clinical hours and coursework
Tracking and disclosing student location consistently
Even specialized programmatic accreditation may not be enough to meet educational requirements.
HELP Is Here
HELP offers The Bookmark, a first-of-its-kind database of licensure educational requirements covering over 80 license types. Our tools and services can help you:
Identify which programs count as licensure programs
Compare curricula across states
Develop compliant disclosures
Need custom research, webinars, or student location policy consultations? We’ve also got you covered.
Don’t Wait Any Longer
This isn’t a “wait and see” situation. SARA policy changes go into effect on July 1, 2025. The Federal Title IV requirements have been in place for a year. Institutions should be implementing changes now.
Let HELP make your compliance process smoother, smarter, and more strategic. Explore our services or reach out today.
Want to learn more? HELP recently partnered with the Midwestern Higher Education Compact for a webinar on these SARA policy changes—watch the recording and access the slides here.
Visit The Bookmark
Contact HELP
When this was published last July, the impact of SARA Policy 5.2 was still taking shape. Since then, NC-SARA has provided important clarifications, offering a clearer roadmap for implementation. Explore our latest blogs for the most up-to-date insights and guidance.
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