How to Check a School’s Accreditation Status

Whether you’re about to start college or looking to transfer, one of the most important things to verify is a school’s accreditation status. Accreditation might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re comparing schools, but it can have a huge impact on your future. Choosing an accredited school ensures that the education you receive meets specific standards of quality. The experts at Campus say it can affect your ability to transfer credits, qualify for financial aid, or even land a job after graduation.

Fortunately, checking a school’s accreditation is pretty simple, and it’s something you should absolutely do before committing to a campus—whether online or in-person. Let’s break down the steps you can take to easily verify a school’s accreditation status.

Why Accreditation Matters

Before diving into the “how,” let’s talk about why accreditation is so important. Accreditation means that a school has been reviewed by an outside authority and meets certain academic standards. Essentially, it’s a seal of approval that assures students, employers, and other institutions that the education provided by the school is legitimate and valuable.

If you attend a non-accredited institution, you might find yourself in trouble down the road. For example, you may have difficulty transferring credits to another school, or you may not be eligible for federal financial aid. Even worse, some employers won’t recognize degrees from non-accredited institutions, which can hurt your chances of landing your dream job.

Accreditation helps you avoid all of that by ensuring the school you’re considering meets established educational standards.

Start With the School’s Website

The easiest and quickest way to check a school’s accreditation status is to head straight to the school’s website. Most colleges and universities proudly display their accreditation information because it’s a key selling point for prospective students.

Start by checking the “About” section of the school’s website, where you’ll usually find details about the institution, including its accreditation. If you don’t see it there, try looking on the admissions or academic pages. Schools often include accreditation information in these sections because it’s relevant to applicants and students alike.

Most schools are upfront about their accreditation status, but if you can’t find the information easily, it’s a red flag. Transparency is key when it comes to accreditation, so if a school seems to be hiding this information or it’s difficult to locate, it’s worth questioning why.

Check National and Regional Accreditation Databases

Sometimes, you might want to double-check the school’s accreditation with an official source, especially if you’re still uncertain after browsing the school’s website. In that case, there are several trusted databases that provide accreditation information.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs is a great place to start. This database lets you search for any accredited school in the United States. Simply enter the name of the school, and you’ll get the official accreditation details, including the accrediting agency.

Another useful resource is the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which also maintains a database of accredited institutions. CHEA is a private, non-governmental organization that promotes academic quality and accredits accrediting bodies. Using their website, you can quickly search for schools and see if they are accredited by a recognized agency.

Understanding Regional vs. National Accreditation

When checking accreditation, it’s important to know the difference between regional and national accreditation. Both types are legitimate, but they serve different purposes and can affect how your degree is perceived.

• Regional Accreditation: This is the most common and widely recognized type of accreditation in the United States. Regionally accredited schools are typically nonprofit or state schools, and their credits are more easily transferable between institutions. If you’re planning to transfer credits from one school to another or pursue a graduate degree, regional accreditation is often preferred.
• National Accreditation: Nationally accredited schools are often career-focused or for-profit institutions. While their programs are often more specialized, their credits may not transfer as easily to regionally accredited schools. National accreditation is still legitimate, but if you’re thinking about continuing your education later, you may face challenges with credit transfers.

When you’re checking a school’s accreditation status, it’s essential to understand which type of accreditation the school holds and how it might impact your educational journey down the road.

Watch Out for Diploma Mills

Not all schools are what they seem. Some institutions—often referred to as diploma mills—offer degrees without the academic rigor required by accredited institutions. These schools are often more interested in taking your money than providing a quality education. They may claim to be accredited, but they’re often not recognized by legitimate accrediting agencies.

Diploma mills typically offer degrees with little to no coursework and might even guarantee a degree for a set fee, regardless of your academic performance. These schools can look very convincing online, so it’s critical to verify their accreditation status through reliable sources like the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA.

If a school’s accreditation is questionable or the institution seems too good to be true, it’s best to steer clear.

What if a School Isn’t Accredited?

If you discover that a school isn’t accredited, it’s usually a sign to look elsewhere. While non-accredited schools aren’t always diploma mills, attending one can limit your future opportunities. Without accreditation, your degree may not be recognized by employers, and you could have trouble accessing financial aid.

However, some schools may be in the process of seeking accreditation. In this case, you should proceed with caution. Even if the school is working toward accreditation, there’s no guarantee that it will be granted. It’s best to wait until the school has official accreditation before enrolling.

Final Thoughts: Always Double-Check Before Committing

Checking a school’s accreditation status might not be the most exciting part of the college application process, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your education has value. Accreditation protects you from wasting time and money on a degree that may not be recognized by employers or other schools.

Whether you’re looking at an on-campus program or an online degree, always take the time to verify a school’s accreditation through its website or a trusted national database. By doing your due diligence now, you can feel confident that the education you invest in will pay off in the future.