Guide
Overview
Accreditation shows that a school meets the standards of an accrediting agency. The Department of Education does not accredit schools itself; it reviews and recognizes the accrediting agencies. The links below cover accreditation checks, federal college data, student aid and degree checks.
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Official College Search & Accreditation Databases
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Accrediting Agencies
The Department of Education keeps the list of recognized institutional accrediting agencies, and DAPIP, linked above, shows which agency accredits a given school. The Department no longer recognizes any agency as a "regional" accreditor.
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Financial Aid & FAFSA
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Diploma & Credential Verification
To confirm a degree, ask the school's registrar's office. Under FERPA, a school may confirm directory information such as dates of attendance and degrees earned unless the student has asked to keep it private.
Straight answers
Questions about colleges and accreditation
How do I verify if a college is accredited?
Search the DAPIP database linked above. Enter the institution name and state. Verify that the accreditor listed is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
What is a diploma mill?
A diploma mill is an organization that sells academic degrees and diplomas without requiring proper study. Diploma mills often claim accreditation from organizations the U.S. Department of Education does not recognize. Use DAPIP to verify any school offering a degree; if neither the school nor its accreditor appears in the database, treat it as unaccredited.
Is national accreditation the same as regional accreditation?
The Department of Education no longer treats them as separate classes: it does not recognize any agency as a "regional" accreditor. What counts is that the accreditor is recognized by the Department. Colleges still set their own credit transfer rules, so ask the school that would receive the credits.
How do I access my student records?
Under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), you have the right to inspect and review your own education records held by any educational institution that receives federal funding. Contact the registrar's office and make a written request. The institution must respond within 45 days.