State Authorization
Online Courses and Supervised Field Study
USD is permitted to operate under the terms of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) policies and standards in offering online courses/degree programs to residents in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Online courses/programs may also be offered to residents of California (a non-SARA state) because it does not regulate out-of-state public institutions.
USD is permitted to offer supervised field experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in the states highlighted in red on the map below. However, out-of-state supervised field experiences in licensure-track programs may require additional approval from that state’s licensure entity.
Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outside of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.
If you have additional questions regarding your ability to enroll in distance education courses outside of the United States or participate in supervised field experiences outside of South Dakota, email the Division of Continuing & Distance Education.
Student Complaints
The University of South Dakota adheres to all federal guidelines. For more information on distance education, the complaint process for program integrity, consumer protection laws and complaints for students residing in other states, learn more here.
Refund Policy
Refund Policy and Requirements for Withdrawal and Return of Federal Financial Aid
Complete Withdrawal Form - Use this form if dropping all your courses, within the 100% refund period. Use this form even if you are registered for one class and are withdrawing from that class or all classes.
Petition for Late Drop Withdrawal Form - Use this form to request and document your rationale for a refund from USD, or for dropping courses after the 70% refund period.
Adverse Actions
As of July 1, 2024, the University of South Dakota has no previous, current, nor pending adverse actions related to distance education that has been taken by an accreditation agency or state entity within the last five years.
The University of South Dakota participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
