Out-of-State Online Students


National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

Owens Community College has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) by the Ohio Department of Higher Education. NC-SARA provides a voluntary regional approach to the oversight of distance education. Owens is permitted to offer online education to residents in all fifty states.

Please note that NC-SARA does not cover professional licensing board approvals. Prospective online students interested in professional license programs, should first contact the appropriate licensing agency in their home state to determine eligibility.

Out-of-State Complaint Process

Owens Community College is committed to resolving student complaints in an expeditious, fair and friendly manner. Owens Online students residing outside of Ohio should resolve complaints with Owens by contacting us at 1-800-GO-OWENS Ext. 7631.

Owens works diligently to find positive outcomes to student concerns. Please try to exhaust all possible avenues of complaint resolution before going outside of the college. However, if a complaint cannot be resolved through Owens processes, you may file a complaint with your state. In compliance with federal Department of Education regulations, Owens provides a list of State Agencies (PDF) with contact information for each state. You may also contact our accrediting agency, The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission.

If you have questions regarding any out-of-state requirements, please send an email to gary_sefton@owens.edu