State Authorization FAQ

What is happening regarding Aspen’s state authorization?

Aspen’s institutional move from Colorado to Arizona created a lapse in NC-SARA coverage. SARA–the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement–regulates distance learning programs and allows colleges and universities to offer distance learning across states without having to seek individual authorization from each state.

Without SARA coverage, Aspen must seek authorization from each state in which such approval is necessary to continue providing distance education. Until Aspen secures approval in those individual states, OR until SARA coverage is obtained through Arizona (AZ- SARA), students residing in those states without approval cannot continue to progress in their programs. You can follow our progress in securing individual state authorization by clicking on the link under “State Authorization Information” here: https://www.aspen.edu/accreditation/.

Why has my ability to register for classes been put on hold?

If your registration is on hold, that is likely because your state of residence has not issued an approval for Aspen to operate there yet. Until Aspen secures approval in your state, OR until SARA coverage is obtained through Arizona (AZ-SARA), you cannot continue to progress in your program.

In which states is Aspen currently unable to provide continuing distance education?

As of September 13, 2022, in the absence of SARA authorization, Aspen University has secured full approval, or confirmed an exemption, in 31 states, while 13 additional states allow our currently enrolled students to continue while applications are under review or in process.

There are currently 6 states where we do not yet have authorization: Rhode Island, Nevada, Texas (for online nursing students; this does not include BSNPL which is approved), Maryland, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, as well as the District of Columbia.

Why didn’t Aspen notify me earlier?

We have been sending notices to affected students as their registrations are held. Affected students are also notified when they can resume their coursework, as Aspen receives individual state authorization to continue providing distance learning in each state.

Is the school closing?

No.

Is Aspen providing accommodations for affected students?

We have several partnerships under review for programs affected by the lapse in Aspen’s ability to provide distance learning in affected states. We are working diligently to secure these partnerships, and our teams will be reaching out to work with you and provide options as soon as they are finalized.

Will I be notified when I am able to register for classes again?

Absolutely!

What if Aspen is unable to resume distance learning in my state?

If your state is not approved and you are unable to await potential authorization through AZ-SARA, Aspen will work diligently to provide articulation agreements with institutions that do have authorization in your state. As those options are solidified, this FAQ will be updated to include further information about how you can continue your education under an articulation agreement.

If transferring to another school becomes necessary, what are my options?

Aspen is actively engaged in efforts to secure articulation agreements with institutions that do have authorization in your state. As those options are solidified, this FAQ will be updated to include further information about how you can continue your education at another institution.

What schools will take my credits?

We are currently working on creating articulation agreements with several other institutions so that students can transfer with limited credit loss. As those options are solidified, this FAQ will be updated to include further information about how you can continue your education under an articulation agreement.

If my new school does not take all my credits, will I be refunded for the courses that don’t transfer? If so, do I have to appeal?

We are currently working on creating articulation agreements with several other institutions so that students can transfer with little to no credit loss. We are making every effort to ensure a block transfer of credits will be accepted by the receiving institution, to be applied to your new program. Students are encouraged to complete their education at a school with which we have an agreement. If you choose not to do so, an appeal will be necessary to consider any refund request relating to credits that may not transfer.

Will you refund my money for any of the courses I took?

Not necessarily. Because we are working to provide articulation agreements where your credits will transfer, refunds for completed courses will not occur. However, if you have a credit on your account currently for tuition and fees overpayment, you can request a review of your account by emailing studentaccounting@aspen.edu.

I have an outstanding balance with the university, am I expected to pay this off?

Yes. You are retaining the credits earned. If you are unable to continue your education at Aspen, you will be applying all or most of these credits to your new program under an articulation agreement.

The place I live isn’t listed in your State Authorization Information disclosure. How do I know if I’m approved to continue my education at Aspen?

The state authorization disclosure addresses every state and the District of Columbia, as well as certain foreign countries. If your country/territory is not listed, please contact your Academic Advisor.

What will happen to my in- school deferment?

Currently, all students are in deferment based on the Department of Education’s COVID policies. This national deferment for federal student loans is set to end on 12/31/2022. If you need your loans are not in grace and need to be in deferment after this date, you will need to be enrolled in another institution. Private loans, in general, are not eligible for a deferment.

What will happen to my Military benefits?

This will not affect your Military benefits, as we only certify courses taken to the Veteran’s Administration.

What will happen to my tuition reimbursement?

If your employer has overpaid your tuition and fees, we will follow your employer’s instructions on returning any credit balance due. Your employer will determine if the overpayment should be returned to them or to you. We will continue to bill your employer as normal for courses already taken.

What will happen to my Financial Aid?

As each individual student’s financial aid is different, please connect with your Financial Aid Officer.

If I have a temporary address in another state, can I use that? I am a traveling nurse; can I use my current address?

If your permanent address is in an unauthorized state AND you have an address in an authorized state (such as a traveling nurse might have), please change your address in the Student Portal so that you may continue your studies.

Does the current state authorization issue have any impact on Aspen’s accreditation?

No. Aspen continues to be fully accredited at the institutional level by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

How will this decision impact the BSN Pre- licensure (BSNPL) program students?

The BSNPL program is approved in AZ, TN, TX, GA, and FL. As long as you live in one of these states, you are not impacted.

How will this impact my DNP project or dissertation research?

If you are in an unauthorized state, there is the potential that you may not be able to continue the immersion hours or coursework necessary for the DNP project nor the coursework necessary for the dissertation research. We are working diligently to develop articulation agreements that will honor the work you have completed to date.

Where can I obtain more information?

This FAQ will be posted on the Aspen website and will continue to be updated as new information is received. We encourage students to check back often for updates. Students may also reach out to their Academic Advisors for individual questions that are not addressed by the FAQ. Academic Advisors can be reached at studentservices@aspen.edu or you can email stateauthorization@aspen.edu.