Sterling College is the one of the first private colleges in Kansas to become a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, making Sterling College Online classes available to students in 19 other states approved by SARA. SARA is a nationwide initiative of states that will make distance education courses more accessible to students across state lines and make it easier for states to regulate and institutions to participate in interstate distance education.

“The opportunity to offer classes in the other SARA states opens up a whole new market for Sterling College Online. The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement minimizes the paperwork and fees involved in offering online classes outside of Kansas, allowing us to enroll new out-of-state students quickly. More states are joining SARA each month and creating a monumental shift in online education,” said Dr. Gregory P. Kerr, vice president for academic affairs.

SARA is funded by a $3 million grant from Lumina Foundation, $200,000 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and fees paid by institutions. Kansas joined SARA in November 2014 and now has eight approved institutions: Central Christian College of Kansas, Cowley County Community College, Emporia State University, Kansas State University, Sterling College, University of Kansas, University of Saint Mary and Wichita State University.

Sterling College Online offers degree programs in Christian ministries, criminal justice administration, elementary education, history, organizational management, professional studies and theological studies. They also offer an add-on endorsement in special education. Information can be found at online.sterling.edu.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.