How can I check if a college that I'm interested in is fully accredited? Are there specific resources or signs to look out for to ensure that I'm selecting an accredited institution for my future studies?
To verify whether a college is fully accredited, it's best to check the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. This database has a comprehensive list of all educational institutions that are accredited by agencies that the U.S. Secretary of Education recognizes.
To use this resource, you just need to input the name of the college or university you're interested in and wait for the results. If the college or university appears, it is an accredited institution and has been vetted by the Department of Education.
It's also common for colleges and universities to display accreditation information on their websites, typically under "About Us" or "Accreditation". Although it's displayed on their website, it's still a good idea to cross-check with the Department of Education’s database to make sure.
Remember, attending an accredited institution is important because these schools are vetted for certain standards of quality. Moreover, attending an accredited institution is usually necessary for financial aid eligibility and credits transfer between colleges and universities. Finally, certain graduate programs and employers will require that your degree is from an accredited institution. So it's really important to make sure a school is accredited before you commit to attending.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.