Guide
Overview
Home › Higher Education
Accreditation is the quality-assurance mechanism for higher education, it signals that an institution meets established academic standards set by a recognized accrediting body. As of 2026, the U.S. has approximately 4,000 degree-granting colleges and universities recognized by the Department of Education. This directory connects you to official databases for verifying institution accreditation, searching enrollment and completion data, accessing financial aid information, and researching education credentials. Updated March 2026.
Guide
Official College Search & Accreditation Databases
- College Navigator (NCES)The U.S. Department of Education's official college search tool. Search by location, program, degree level, institution type, and tuition. Includes IPEDS data on enrollment, graduation rates, net price, campus safety, and financial aid
- DAPIP, Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and ProgramsOfficial DOE database of all accredited colleges, universities, and programs. Search by institution name, state, or accreditor to verify accreditation status
- CHEA Database of Institutions and ProgramsCouncil for Higher Education Accreditation's database covering recognized U.S. and international accrediting organizations
- IPEDS, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data SystemThe comprehensive federal data collection covering all institutions that participate in federal student aid programs. Data includes enrollment, graduation rates, financial aid, faculty, and finances
Guide
Regional Accreditation Bodies
Regional accreditation is the most widely recognized and prestigious form of institutional accreditation in the U.S. Credits from regionally accredited institutions transfer more reliably than those from nationally accredited schools.
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)Accredits degree-granting colleges in 19 states (Midwest and Great Plains)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC)Accredits institutions in 11 Southern states plus Latin America
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)Covers Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, D.C., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)California, Hawaii, Pacific region
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)Six New England states
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)Seven Northwest states
Guide
Financial Aid & FAFSA
- studentaid.gov-for-aid/fafsa, The official federal financial aid application. Must be completed annually to access Pell Grants, subsidized loans, work-study, and most institutional aid.
- Government Resource, Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, PLUS (Parent and Grad), and Consolidation loans. Compare terms, interest rates, and repayment plans.
- studentaid.gov-loans/repayment/plans - SAVE, PAYE, IBR, and ICR plans cap monthly payments at 5 - 20% of discretionary income.
- studentaid.gov-forgiveness, Forgives remaining federal loan balance after 120 qualifying payments while working full-time for a government or nonprofit employer.
Guide
Diploma & Credential Verification
- National Student ClearinghouseVerifies enrollment and degree completion for 3,600+ colleges covering 97% of U.S. students. Used by employers and background check providers for education verification
- DegreeVerify (NSC)Instant online degree verification for graduates of participating institutions
- For institutions not in NSC: contact the registrar's office directly. Public institutions' records are public records under FERPA exceptions for verification.
Straight answers
Higher Education & College Directory, questions
How do I verify if a college is accredited?
Search the DAPIP database at ope.ed.gov/dapip. Enter the institution name and state. Verify that the accreditor listed is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Regional accreditation (from one of the six regional bodies) is the gold standard for four-year institutions.
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 fake accreditation from organizations not recognized by the DOE. 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?
No. Regional accreditation is generally more rigorous and widely accepted. Credits from nationally accredited schools (often for-profit vocational schools) frequently do not transfer to regionally accredited institutions. Employers and graduate programs typically prefer regional accreditation.
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.