For Students & Families
Accreditation is how you can check, from the outside, whether a college is what it says it is — and it affects your financial aid, your credits, and whether your degree is recognized. Here's what it means for you.
Before you Enroll
Three things to check before you enroll
Most of what follows on this page is about understanding accreditation. This part is about using it.
1.
Is the institution accredited, and by whom?
Search our directory for institutions accredited by The Commission. If the school isn’t listed, that doesn’t mean it isn’t accredited — many accredited institutions are accredited by other recognized accreditors. Check the U.S. Department of Education’s database to see any institution’s accreditor.
2.
Does the instituition participate in Federal Financial Aid?
Accreditation is one requirement for federal aid, but not the only one. If you plan to use federal loans or grants, confirm with the institution’s financial aid office and with Federal Student Aid.
3.
What is the institution's current status?
Online Programs
What about online programs?
Accreditation covers an institution’s programs regardless of how they’re delivered. An accredited institution’s online programs are covered by the same accreditation as its on-campus programs, and are held to the same standards.
What matters is whether the institution offering the program is accredited — not whether you attend in person.