State Authorization for Distance Education Programs
Effective October 30, 2025, Rider University will no longer participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). This change may affect your eligibility to enroll in the University’s online programs if you reside outside of New Jersey.
What Is NC-SARA?
NC-SARA is a national initiative that facilitates interstate distance education. While Rider's withdrawal from NC-SARA does not affect the University’s accreditation or commitment to high-quality education, it does limit its ability to enroll students in online programs based on their state of legal residence.
General Residency Scenarios
Here are examples of residency scenarios and what it could mean for students:
- If you reside outside of New Jersey, your eligibility to enroll in a Rider online program may be affected.
- If you currently live in New Jersey but plan to move out of state, your ability to continue in an online program could be impacted depending on the laws of your new state.
- If you live outside of New Jersey and plan to move into the state, your eligibility may change upon your relocation.
- If you are a legal resident of another state but live in New Jersey for over 50% of the year (e.g., student-athletes), list your NJ address on your application. Returning to your home state for the remainder of your program may lead to restrictions that affect your ability to complete your degree.
We recommend all students discuss their specific situation with the Rider University Office of Admissions before applying to a fully online program to ensure long-term program eligibility.
Verifying Your State Authorization Status
When applying to a fully online undergraduate or graduate program at Rider University, you will be asked to indicate your current state of legal residence.
Due to state authorization regulations, the University may be unable to enroll students from certain states in specific online or distance education programs.
Before you apply, you should check whether the University is authorized to offer online education programs in your state. Contact the Office of Admissions to discuss your specific situation.
Programs Leading to Licensure
Some Rider University programs, particularly those in fields such as education, counseling, and nursing, may lead to professional licensure. Licensure requirements vary by state. Before applying, prospective students are responsible for verifying that their intended program meets the educational requirements for licensure in their state of residence. We’ll work with you to find the best path forward based on your goals and location.
