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Binghamton University offers a variety of high-quality academic programs delivered through multiple modalities, including in-person, hybrid, and exclusively online formats. This policy clarifies the distinctions between online courses, online programs, and Exclusively Online Programs, and outlines the corresponding tuition structures, especially as they apply to non-New York State resident students.
Understanding these differences helps students, faculty, advisors, and prospective applicants make informed decisions about academic pathways and associated costs.
Program Definitions
- Online Courses: Individual courses taught fully online. These may be part of traditional in-person or hybrid degree programs. Enrollment in an online course does not indicate enrollment in an online or Exclusively Online Program.
- Online Programs: Degree or certificate programs that offer a significant portion of coursework online but may still include on-campus components. These programs are not classified as Exclusively Online and do not carry specialized tuition rates.
- Exclusively Online Programs: Degree or advanced certificate programs delivered 100% online, with no required on-campus activities. These programs are formally approved as “Exclusively Online” by Binghamton University’s Provost Office and Business Affairs, in accordance with SUNY system guidelines.
- Only these programs qualify for a special reduced tuition rate for non-New York State residents, as authorized by New York State Education Law §355(2)(h)(4).
- Enrollment in one or more online courses within a non-Exclusively Online program does not qualify a student for the special reduced tuition rate for non-New York State residents
- New York State residents enrolled in Exclusively Online Programs pay the standard in-state tuition.
Modality Change
Students who wish to transition between brick-and-mortar and exclusively online formats, when both options are available within the same major, should notify their advisor prior to the start of the semester in which they intend to transition. Students may also be required to follow specific policies and procedures outlined in their program’s current Student Handbook. Requests are considered on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to space availability within the desired program option. Students may change program modality only once (e.g., from brick-and-mortar to exclusively online, or vice versa). International students who are in F‑1 or J‑1 status, or seeking to apply for F‑1 or J‑1 status, should consult with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (isss@binghamton.edu) prior to applying for a change in modality, as eligibility is not guaranteed. Students should note that any changes in program modality may affect tuition, fees, and financial aid eligibility.
Course Enrollment Restrictions
Students enrolled in Exclusively Online Programs may only register for courses specifically designated for those programs (e.g., “Z-prefix” courses). Conversely, students enrolled in on-campus, hybrid, or non-Exclusively Online Programs are not permitted to enroll in “Z-prefix” courses.
These restrictions are in place to preserve program integrity and ensure compliance with SUNY Policy 7815.
NYS-SARA Distance Education Complaint Policy
Binghamton University, a member of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA). SARA establishes national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs and provides consumer protection processes for students enrolled in distance education programs while residing outside New York State in participating SARA states.
Consumer protection complaints resulting from distance education courses, activities, and operations should first be addressed through Binghamton University’s internal complaint resolution procedures.
Step 1: Institutional Resolution Process
Students may submit complaints to:
James M. Pitarresi
Vice Provost for Online and Innovative Education
jmp@binghamton.edu
Step 2: Escalation to the SUNY System
If a student is dissatisfied with the campus-based resolution, concerns may be submitted to SUNY System Administration through the SUNY Student Concerns process.
State University of New York
Central Administration
State University Plaza
Albany, NY 12246
Step 3: Filing a Complaint with NYSED
If a student remains dissatisfied after exhausting institutional complaint procedures, the student may appeal the institution’s decision to the New York State SARA State Portal Entity, the New York State Education Department (NYSED), within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made.
SARA policies do not cover complaints related to grades or student conduct violations, both of which are addressed through campus procedures.
NC-SARA Complaint Process:
https://www.nc-sara.org/sara-student-complaints-0
New York State Education Department SARA Complaint Process:
https://www.nysed.gov/college-university-evaluation/sara-student-complaint-process
Addendum: Updated SARA language, 5/20/2026
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