How to Check if a College is Accredited? A Simple Guide

Choosing the right college is an important decision. You want to make sure you select an accredited institution that provides a quality education.

In this guide, we’ll explain what college accreditation is, why it matters, and provide a step-by-step process for verifying accreditation status.

What is College Accreditation?

Accreditation is a process of quality assurance and evaluation that colleges and universities participate in to demonstrate they meet established standards for things like curriculum, faculty, student services, and more.

There are national and regional accrediting agencies that conduct reviews and provide accreditation status to schools that pass.

Accreditation matters because it signifies that a college meets quality standards and offers legitimate degree programs.

It’s also required for schools to be eligible for federal student aid programs. Attending an unaccredited school can mean limited job and further education prospects upon graduation.

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National vs. Regional Accreditation

There are two main types of accreditation in the U.S.—national and regional:

• National accreditors focus on vocational, career, and religious schools. Nationally accredited schools usually have a narrower focus.

• Regional accreditors review colleges that provide academic degrees. There are six regional agencies that cover different areas of the country. Regionally accredited schools are considered more prestigious.

When checking for accreditation, it’s important to verify which type of accreditor has approved the school.

Why You Should Verify Accreditation

Here are some key reasons to verify accreditation when choosing a college:

• Financial aid – Most accredited schools qualify for federal and state financial aid, grants, and scholarships. Unaccredited schools typically do not.

• Transfer credits – Other accredited colleges are more likely to accept credits from an accredited school. Those from unaccredited schools often don’t transfer.

• Educational quality – Accreditation indicates a school has met standards for curriculum, faculty, resources, administration, and more.

• School reputation – Graduating from an accredited college is more prestigious and respected than an unaccredited one.

• Employability – Many employers prefer to hire graduates of accredited colleges, especially regionally accredited ones.

How to Check for Accreditation

Here are some steps to take to verify accreditation:

• Ask the college – Reach out to the admissions office to inquire about accreditation status. Ask which agencies have accredited the school and what types of accreditation it holds.

• Look up accreditors – Search for the names of accrediting bodies the college lists. Visit their sites to verify they are recognized agencies. Also look for details on the school’s status.

• Search the ED Database – Use the U.S. Department of Education’s Accreditation Database to look up accreditors and accredited institutions. Make sure the college is listed.

• Review college materials – Check the school’s website and printed materials for mentions of accreditation. Valid accreditation should be clearly stated.

• Contact accreditors – If a college claims accreditation, follow up with the accrediting body directly to confirm. Do not rely solely on the college’s word.

Look for Red Flags

Be wary of schools that:

• Don’t mention accreditation at all

• Claim accreditation but from an agency you can’t verify

• Say they are “accredited” but don’t specify by whom

• Note accreditation is “pending” or “currently in process”

Lack of valid accreditation is a red flag when evaluating college options.

Key Takeaways

• Accreditation is a quality assurance process colleges undergo to demonstrate academic standards. It is granted by authorized accrediting bodies after thorough review.

• Attending an accredited college is extremely important—it affects financial aid eligibility, credit transfer, reputation, and more.

• You should independently verify accreditation by researching agencies and checking the Department of Education database.

• Claims of accreditation that can’t be confirmed or use of unrecognized accreditors are red flags to watch out for.

By carefully checking for proper accreditation, you can feel confident you are choosing a quality educational institution that meets high standards. Don’t leave this important step out when making your college decision.

Conclusion

Following this straightforward guide will help you verify accreditation as part of your college selection process.

Make sure to do your due diligence—don’t just take a school’s word when it comes to accreditation claims.

Taking these steps will help ensure you choose a respectable college that offers real value and fits your education needs.