State Authorization
Saint Leo University is authorized to operate physical campuses in 5 states: Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. Saint Leo University is a participant institution of the national State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). Saint Leo’s participation in SARA simplifies the university’s ability to offer online academic programming across state lines and U.S. territories.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories in the United States, which establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education activities. These distance education activities may include, but not be limited to, online courses and certain types of supervised field experiences. SARA is intended to simplify the process of state authorization related to the aforementioned distance education activities by establishing a standard approval process through which institutions may participate in the reciprocity agreement with other member states. Although SARA facilitates state authorization for certain types of distance education activities, the reciprocity agreement has no effect on state professional licensure requirements. To learn more about SARA, please visit: nc-sara.org.
Florida joined SARA through the Southern Regional Education Board. Saint Leo University is a SARA approved institution which is recognized by 49 states (except California).
Saint Leo University Student Complaint Process
Students should attempt to resolve complaints with the university itself. Applicable university policies usually describe the appropriate procedures such as contacting your academic advisor or dean. Student Grievances related policies and procedures may also be found in Saint Leo University Other University Policies and Procedures. Should a student file a complaint with a state or accrediting body, the student will not be subjected to adverse actions by any school official as a result of initiating a complaint.
Filing a complaint with the State of Florida, or an accrediting body does not excuse a student from following any applicable university policies for appeals or challenges to actions taken or to any time frames for the filing of such internal appeals.
SARA Procedures for Student Complaints
Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the Florida SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the Florida SARA Complaint Process page or the FLDOE website.
Authorization and Student Complaint Procedures by State-
Find below Authorization and Complaint Procedures for states where Saint Leo University has physical locations.
Please note, for California, the information provided is for complaint information for online students only. Saint Leo University does not have physical locations in California
SARA Authorization Status: Not a SARA State
State Student Complaint Information*:
- For California residents enrolled in Saint Leo University Online Programs:
To file a complaint, contact the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Consumer Information Center.
State Regulatory Authorization Status: Exempt for all physical locations
SARA Authorization Status: Exempt from all Online Programs
State Student Complaint Information*:
- To file a complaint against a nonpublic postsecondary institution in Florida, please write a letter or send an e-mail containing the following information:
- Name of Student (or Complainant)
- Complainant Address
- Phone Number
- Name of Institution
- Location of the Institution (City)
- Dates of Attendance
- A full description of the problem and any other documentation that will support your claim such as enrollment agreements, correspondence, etc.
- The complaint process of the Commission involves contacting the institution to obtain their response to your complaint. If you do not want the Commission to contact the institution you are attending, you must state so in your complaint; however, doing so will greatly hinder the Commission’s ability to assist you with your complaint.
Sent Letter To:
Office of Articulation
Department of Education
articulation@fldoe.org
850-245-0427
- Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.
State Regulatory Authorization Status: Authorized for all physical locations
SARA Authorization Status: Authorized
State Student Complaint Information*:
- To file a complaint with the state, contact the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission.
- Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission; 2082 East Exchange Place; Suite 220; Tucker, GA 30084; 770-414-3300.
- Students will not be subject to adverse actions by the institution as a result of filing a grievance with the state.
- Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.
State Regulatory Authorization Status: Authorized for all physical locations
SARA Authorization Status: Authorized
State Student Complaint Information*:
- To file a complaint with the state contact the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation.
- Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.
State Regulatory Authorization Status: Authorized for all physical locations
SARA Authorization Status: Authorized
State Student Complaint Information*:
- To file a complaint with the state contact the South Carolina Department of Education, SCDE.
- Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.
State Regulatory Authorization Status: Authorized for all physical locations
SARA Authorization Status: Authorized
State Student Complaint Information*:
- To file a complaint with the state contact the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board StudentComplaints@highered.texas.gov or Kammi.Contreras@highered.texas.gov
- Visit the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Student Complaints page for forms and a description of the complaint procedure.
- Learn more about the rules governing student complaints – Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code, Sections 1.110-1.120.
- Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.
Department of Veteran Affairs External Student Complaints
GI Bill® School Feedback Tool
Visit the GI Bill® School Feedback Tool webpage
If you have an issue or complaint about a school or training facility that’s eligible to receive GI Bill benefits, you can submit feedback to the Department of Veteran Affairs. You may submit a complaint if your school or employer is failing to follow the Principles of Excellence guidelines or if you have any other concerns or issues you’d like to raise.
Mississippi GI Bill® Beneficiaries
The Mississippi State Approving Agency (SAA), is the approving authority of education and training programs for Mississippi. Our office investigates complaints of GI Bill beneficiaries. While most complaints should initially follow the school grievance policy, if the situation cannot be resolved at the school, the beneficiary should contact our office via email at saa@msva.ms.gov.
Virginia GI Bill® Beneficiaries
The Virginia State Approving Agency (SAA) is the approving authority of education and training programs for Virginia. This office investigates the complaints of GI Bill beneficiaries. While most complaints should initially follow the school grievance policy, if the situation cannot be resolved at the school, the beneficiary should contact the office via email saa@dvs.virginia.gov.
Licensure Information
Saint Leo University offers certain programs that are designed to prepare individuals to seek professional licenses or certifications. Professional licensing standards vary from state to state, and it is important to understand all educational and state specific requirements for licensing. Completion of a Saint Leo University program alone, may not meet some state license or certification requirements. In addition to programmatic or academic requirements (degree type, accreditation, program credits, internship or practicum hours, coursework, etc.), state licensing boards may also require applicants to meet additional state-specific requirements (professional examinations, background checks, years of work experience, fingerprinting, etc.) and to pay any associated fees.
It is your responsibility to understand and comply with the professional licensure requirements for your state. Saint Leo University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement.
Education Programs
Applicable to the following programs: Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education; Bachelor of Arts, Middle Grades Education, Master, Education – Educational Leadership; Master, Education – Exceptional
Student Education; Master, Education – Reading.
Currently, the Saint Leo University Education programs listed above meet the education standards and requirements for certification in Florida.
Saint Leo University cannot confirm, at this time, whether this particular program meets the requirements for certification in any other state. If you intend to pursue such credentialing in your state or elsewhere, we advise you to contact the applicable state credentialing authority to familiarize yourself with its specific requirements and determine if our program meets its eligibility criteria.
State By State Licensure Board Information
Use the arrow to the right to expand the accordion for relevant state links to verify requirements of applicable licensure board(s) in order to determine whether this program meets certification requirements of a specific state.
Certification through Reciprocity - NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
The state where you intend to obtain certification may participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. NASDTEC (National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification) is a professional membership organization representing state departments of education and professional standards boards/commissions that are responsible for the preparation, licensure, and discipline of K-12 educational personnel. The NASDTEC Interstate Agreement facilitates the mobility of educators among the states and other jurisdictions that are members of NASDTEC and have signed the Agreement. Although there may be conditions applicable to individual jurisdictions, the Agreement makes it possible for an educator who completed an approved program and/or who holds a certificate or license in one jurisdiction to earn a certificate or license in another state or jurisdiction.
- Click the link below for additional information regarding interstate agreements for educator certification:
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement for Educator Licensure 2020-2025.
- Click the link below to verify the requirements of applicable certification board(s) in any other state you may want to pursue certification prior to beginning or continuing your academic program in order to determine whether the program meets certification requirements:
Information for Out-of-State Applicants.
For more information about the process of certification through reciprocity, explore the Florida Department of Education website, or contact the Florida Department of Education at (800) 445-6739. Please note, Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. However, the state of Florida uses the term "state approved" to indicate those programs that result in guaranteed certification.
Nursing Programs
Applicable to the following program: Bachelor of Science, Nursing
This program meets the educational requirements for licensure as a registered nurse (RN) in the state of Florida. Although the program is currently offered on our main university campus in Florida, many students then return to their home states and countries to practice, where professional licensure may be required. Saint Leo University cannot confirm, at this time, whether this particular program meets the educational requirements for graduates to be eligible to apply in that location.
Upon completion of the program, you would be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Exam.
As Florida is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), nurses with a RN license in the state of Florida may be eligible to apply for a compact license to practice in the other NLC states, districts and US territories. This list is continually updating pending legislative changes. The most up-to-date information on the NLC can be found on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.
State By State Licensure Board Information
Use the arrow to the right to expand the accordion for relevant state links to verify requirements of applicable licensure board(s) in order to determine whether this program meets certification requirements of a specific state.
Social Work Programs
Applicable to the following programs: Bachelor, Social Work (BSW); Master, Social Work (MSW).
The Saint Leo University Bachelor of Social Work prepare students for professional licensure and, at this time, this program meets the education requirements for CSWE (https://cswe.org/) on a national level, and meets the requirements for professional licensure in the following states: Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania (provisional), Puerto Rico (provisional), South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The Saint Leo University Master of Social Work program meets the education requirements for master level social work licensure in the following states: Florida, Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, Illinois, Tennessee, Maryland, and New Jersey.
Saint Leo University cannot confirm, at this time, whether the BSW and MSW programs meet the requirements for professional licensure in any other state. If you intend to pursue such credentialing in your state or elsewhere, we advise you to contact the applicable state credentialing authority to familiarize yourself with its specific requirements and determine if our programs meet its eligibility criteria. Please click the relevant state links below to verify the requirements of applicable licensure board(s) in order to determine whether these programs meet licensure requirements of a specific state.
State By State Licensure Board Information
Use the arrow to the right to expand the accordion for relevant state links to verify requirements of applicable licensure board(s) in order to determine whether this program meets certification requirements of a specific state.
Human Services Programs
Applicable to the following program: Bachelor of Arts, Human Services
While professional certification is not required to practice in the human services profession, at this time, the Saint Leo University Bachelor of Arts in Human Services program meets the education requirements for CSHSE on a national level, and meets the requirements for taking the HS-BCP (Human Services Board Certified Professional Examination) which is a national professional certification in all states. The program in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia meets the standards of performance and practice as set by the CHSHE organization.
Saint Leo University cannot confirm, at this time, whether this particular program meets the requirements for professional certification in any other state. If you intend to pursue such credentialing in your state or elsewhere, we advise you to contact the applicable state credentialing authority to familiarize yourself with its specific requirements and determine if our program meets its eligibility criteria. Please click on the links below for additional Human Services licensure information.
Additional Resource Links
Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE)
The National Organization for Human Services (NOHS)
What is Human Services?
Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BC
For more information about the process of certification through reciprocity, explore the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) website or contact the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) at 571-257-3959 or email info@cshse.org.
Accounting Programs
Applicable to the following programs: Bachelor of Arts, Accounting; Master of Accounting.
The completion of our Bachelor of Arts in Accounting major provides the necessary coursework to sit for the CPA exam in the State of Florida. Additionally, our Master of Accounting program provides the additional 30 semester credit hours needed for licensure. However, the State of Florida has the final say on whether or not the applicant’s course completions fulfill the Accounting and Business Education program requirements. CPA Board staff determines eligibility by conducting an official evaluation which includes submitting an application, transcripts, and other required documents and paying the required fee.
Saint Leo University cannot confirm, at this time, whether this particular program meets the requirements for professional licensure in any other state. If you intend to pursue such credentialing in your state or elsewhere, we advise you to contact the applicable state credentialing authority to familiarize yourself with its specific requirements and determine if our program meets its eligibility criteria.
Visit the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) website to view contact information for each state.
Teach-Out Plan Requirements by Accrediting Agency
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate, bachelor's, masters, specialist, and doctoral degrees. SACSCOC requires a written plan developed by an institution that provides for the equitable treatment of students if an institution, or an institutional location that provides 50% or more of at least one program, ceases to operate before all students have completed their program of study, and may include, if required by the institution's accrediting agency, a teach-out agreement between institutions. This applies to the closure of an institution, a site, or a program. Teach-out plans must be approved by SACSCOC in advance of implementation.
Adverse Action Information
Please note that no adverse action has been taken by a state or accrediting agency against Saint Leo’s online programs for the previous five calendar years.