What Makes a College Accredited?

If you are planning to attend college, finding one that is accredited means that you can be assured of the quality of its programs. It means they have been evaluated against a high level of standards and have been approved. It means they are widely accepted as a reputable educational institution.

Accrediting Organizations

According to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, accrediting organizations in the United States, which are private organizations, verify the quality of colleges and other educational institutions before granting them accreditation. These accrediting organizations are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for validity.

Purpose of Accreditation

Accreditation is important to students because they are assured that their degrees are acceptable to employers. It is also necessary in most cases for them to receive grants and loans.

The Accreditation Process

The accreditation organizations create acceptable standards for a college and will then evaluate the institution against those standards. Following their examination and report, they will make a recommendation to the institution and inform them of their status with regard to accreditation.

Follow-Up

Once accredited, the college must have periodic reviews to ensure it is maintaining its previous level of quality.

Databases

The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation maintain searchable databases of all accredited institutions and programs in the United States.

Resources

• Financial Aid for Postsecondary Students
• U.S. Department of Education Database
• Informing the Public About Accreditation