Professional licensure is the process by which a state or territory determines whether an individual is qualified to practice in a regulated profession.

Some Purdue University programs are designed to prepare students for professional licensure or certification. For these programs, Purdue University provides state-specific disclosures regarding whether the program satisfies applicable educational requirements for licensure or certification.

Prospective and enrolled students should review the licensure disclosure information available on the applicable program website. Program-specific disclosures identify whether Purdue University has determined that a program:

• Meets educational requirements for licensure or certification;
• Does not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification; or
• Has not made a determination regarding educational requirements for licensure or certification in a particular state or territory.

Licensure and certification requirements vary by state and profession and may change over time. In addition to educational requirements, states may require examinations, background checks, supervised experience, clinical hours, or other qualifications. Completion of an academic program does not guarantee licensure or certification.

Graduates must satisfy all requirements established by the licensing authority in the state or territory where they intend to practice.

Please review online program licensure disclosures:

• Teacher Education Professional Licensure
• Professional Credential Information for Veterinary Technology Program

Online Degrees

Purdue offers online programs to learners around the world; however, degree recognition varies by country.

• Some countries may not recognize foreign or online degrees
• Requirements may differ based on local regulations, including data privacy laws and applicable taxes
• Students are responsible for confirming whether the degree will meet their academic or employment goals in their country

Professional Licensure

Licensure requirements vary by country and profession

• A Purdue online degree may not meet educational requirements for licensure outside the United States
• Students should contact the appropriate licensing board in their country of residence or intended employment before enrolling

Overview

Under federal regulations for distance education, Purdue University must provide students with information on how to file complaints.

Students are encouraged to first attempt resolution through Purdue University before filing complaints with external agencies.

Step 1: File a Complaint with Purdue University

Students should first contact the office or department responsible for the issue:

• Tuition and fee payments: Office of the Bursar – Finance
• Registration or grades: Office of the Registrar
• Financial aid (grants or loans): Division of Financial Aid
• Academic concerns or student conduct: Office of the Dean of Students – Purdue University
• Admissions issues:
  • Undergraduate: Undergraduate Admissions
  • Graduate: Graduate Admissions
• File a discrimination or harassment complaint at Purdue
• Online program concerns: puocompliance@purdue.edu

Most university offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time and observe standard U.S. holidays.

Step 2: Escalate to the Indiana State Portal Entity (if applicable)

If a complaint is not resolved through Purdue:

• Students located in a SARA-participating state may escalate complaints to the Indiana SARA portal agency
• Complaints may also be reviewed by the student’s state of residence

Scope of SARA complaints:

• Misrepresentation or misleading information
• Accuracy of tuition, fees or financial aid information
• Accuracy of licensure or program information
• Marketing/recruitment practices
• Distance education delivery practices

SARA applies to distance education students:

• Applies to students enrolled in distance education across state lines
• Applies to students located outside the institution’s home state

Relevant resources:

• SARA Student Complaint: State Portal Entity Contacts | NC-SARA
• Indiana Commission for High Education:  CHE: Student Complaints

Step 3: File with External Agencies

If the complaint remains unresolved:

• Accreditation-related concerns:
  File a Complaint Against an Institution | The Higher Learning Commission
• Consumer protection concerns:
  Attorney General: Consumer Protection Division: Home

Students may also file complaints with the appropriate agency in their state of residence.

Accreditation ensures that institutions meet established standards of educational quality through self-evaluation and peer review.

Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Review Purdue’s accreditation status and details through the Accreditation – Institutional Data Analytics + Assessment

Purdue University is committed to providing accessible educational experiences in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA).

Disability Resource Center – Purdue University (DRC) supports students with disabilities by:

• Coordinating reasonable accommodations
• Partnering with faculty to ensure accessibility
• Providing guidance on available resources

Students who require accommodations should contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) before classes begin.

• Student Withdrawals: Withdrawals | Office of the Dean of Students – Purdue University
• Refund Policies: Refund Policies – Finance
• International Students Link: International Students & Scholars | ISS