How to Register an .EDU Domain Name

Register the domain name of a school or educational institution website using the .edu suffix.

The domain name of a website is the unique identifier that is entered into the URL or address bar of a Web browser and directs users to the desired website. Each website is made up of a prefix, domain name and suffix. The ".edu" suffix is used to identify and distinguish educational institutions or schools. You need to meet the requirements for registering a ".edu" domain name, which means that you must be a fully accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning or school. The ".edu" extension is also often limited to schools located in the United States.

Instructions

1. Navigate to http://net.educause.edu/edudomain/index.asp. The ".edu" domain registration is handled exclusively by Educause, a nonprofit association whose goal and mission is to advance higher education by promoting the use of information technology. Click the "Request a New Domain" link located at the top of the page.

2. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and enter your desired ".edu" domain name in the ".edu Domain Name Availability Lookup" box. Click the "Check Domain" button to begin the search. If the domain name is available, you will be presented with a screen that states "Is available to request!". If the domain is not available, you will be presented with a "Is not available" message. Click the "Check Another Domain" and continue searching for a domain name until you receive the "Is available to request!" message.

3. Click the "Request This Domain" button to continue with the registration of your ".edu" domain name.

4. Enter the Institution Name and City and State for the desired ".edu" domain and click "Search" to validate. Your post-secondary institution must be accredited by an agency on the U.S. Department of Education list of Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies. You will be presented with a list of entries that match your institution. If your desired institution is not accredited, you will not be able to register a ".edu" domain.

5. Click the link to the desired institution name. You will be brought to the "Create Domain Password" page. Enter a desired password and click "Next."

6. Enter the name of an "Administrative Contact," "Technical Contact" and "Billing Contact."

7. Enter the Primary and Secondary Domain Name Servers (DNS) where your website will be hosted. If you are not sure what the DNS should be, contact your Internet Service Provider for the correct information.

8. Wait for a verification email of your ".edu" domain. Educause will review your application and determine if your institution is eligible for registration. Your request will be processed in the order it is received, and it may take three to 10 days for approval.

References

• Educause: Steps to Requesting a New .edu Domain

Resources

• Educause: Eligibility