On October 29, 2010, the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) released the final “program integrity” regulations. One regulation requires postsecondary institutions offering distance or correspondence courses to students not living in the institution’s state to obtain authorization from states in which it operates (has enrolled students). This authorization is required for students of that state to receive federal financial aid (gvtc.org).
CGTC is a member of Southern Regional Educational Board (SREB), one of the four regional compacts which comprise NC-SARA. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Additional information on CGTC’s State Authorizations and Program Integrity is provided below.
Central Georgia Technical College is authorized to provide online education to students who reside in 49 SARA member states*:
| Alabama | Maine | Oklahoma |
| Alaska | Maryland | Oregon |
| Arizona | Massachusetts | Pennsylvania |
| Arkansas | Michigan | Rhode Island |
| Colorado | Minnesota | South Carolina |
| Connecticut | Mississippi | South Dakota |
| Delaware | Missouri | Tennessee |
| Florida | Montana | Texas |
| Georgia | Nebraska | Utah |
| Hawaii | Nevada | Vermont |
| Idaho | New Hampshire | Virginia |
| Illinois | New Jersey | Washington |
| Indiana | New Mexico | West Virginia |
| Iowa | New York | Wisconsin |
| Kansas | North Carolina | Wyoming |
| Kentucky | North Dakota | |
| Lousiana | Ohio |
The following states do not require authorization for colleges with no physical presence in the state*:
California
NC-SARA State Authorization Guide and Map
*Certain online programs, which include internships, practicums, or other experiential requirements may trigger additional State Authorization requirements. Individuals may check program availability in your state by contacting online@centralgatech.edu.
Complaint Process
Students residing outside of the state of Georgia who are taking online courses may also file to have a complaint resolved. Out-of-state, online students should follow the procedure above by first filing at the College level using the Student Grievance Procedure referenced in the current Student Catalog. If resolution is not reached, out-of-state, online students should reach out to TCSG through the Program Integrity Complaint Form for additional assistance. Additional directions and links are available on the CGTC Grievance Procedure page.
*Are you in a program leading to licensure and you live or plan to live outside of Georgia? Review the State Licensure disclosure page for a list of states where CGTC programs meet state requirements.