Relay is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) (3624 Market Street, Suite 2 West, Philadelphia, PA 19104). The Middle States Commission is recognized by the United States Department of Education as an institutional accrediting agency for institutions of higher education. Relay was initially accredited in 2012, and in 2017 MSCHE acted to reaffirm its accreditation status and commend the institution on its self-study process. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2025–2026.
New York
Relay was granted a charter in 2011 by the Board of Regents in the state of New York for its postsecondary education programs at its New York City campus. New York also serves as Relay’s home state for participation in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), as outlined in the subsequent section.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
Relay was approved to participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) on May 31, 2018, by the New York State Education Department, which acts as the SARA State Portal Entity for the state of New York. SARA is a voluntary, interstate reciprocity agreement that establishes comparable standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education. As a result of Relay’s participation in SARA, Relay may offer distance education programs in SARA member states. SARA only applies to distance education and does not cover instruction provided on the ground at any Relay campus.
California
Relay Graduate School of Education is not required to be authorized by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education to enroll California residents into its online programs pursuant to California Education Code (CEC) section 94801.5(c).
Colorado
Relay is authorized to operate and grant degrees in the state of Colorado by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education.
Connecticut
Relay is authorized to operate as an institution of higher learning in the state of Connecticut by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education.
Delaware
Relay has full approval for degree-granting authority by the Delaware Department of Education and to offer courses, programs of courses and/or degrees in the state of Delaware.
District of Columbia
Relay is licensed by the District of Columbia Higher Education Learning Commission to offer courses or instruction leading to the award of certificates, diplomas, or degrees in the District of Columbia.
Georgia
Relay Graduate School of Education is authorized under the nonpublic Postsecondary Educational Institutions Act of 1990.
Illinois
Relay Graduate School of Education is authorized to operate as a post-secondary educational institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, 1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333, Springfield, Illinois 62701-1377, www.ibhe.org
Indiana
Relay is authorized to operate in the state of Indiana by the Indiana Board for Proprietary Education (101 W Ohio Street., Suite 670, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1984).
Louisiana
Relay is currently licensed by the Board of Regents of the state of Louisiana. Licenses are renewed by the state Board of Regents every two years. Licensed institutions have met minimal operational standards set forth by the state, but licensure does not constitute accreditation, guarantee the transferability of credit, nor signify that programs are certifiable by any professional agency or organization.
New Jersey
Relay is licensed by the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to offer programs in New Jersey.
Tennessee
Relay is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation of minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility.
Texas
Relay is legally authorized to operate and grant degrees in Texas by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
For more information about Relay’s authorizations, see Appendix A. To review accreditation and authorization documentation or to request information on contacting any agency that regulates the institution, email support@relay.edu.