How to Find an OPE Code

Most colleges have an OPE code related to financial aid.

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) issues identification code numbers to colleges that are eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs. Finding a college or university OPE code is a straightforward process.

Instructions

1. Visit the Official Cohort Default Rate Search for Postsecondary Schools website at the Department of Education. This site offers a search function that can look up a college or university by name and return information about the school, including its six-digit OPE code.

2. Check with the university or college. The school's financial aid office will generally know the institutional OPE identification code and can provide it upon request.

3. Contact the Department of Education. If other sources don't provide the OPE code, then get it directly from the Department of Education by calling [phone].

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to use the correct format. A formal OPE code consists of six-digits identifying the college or university. Some codes have an additional two-digit extension to identify specific branches or campuses within a university.

References

• National Center for Educational Statistics Glossary: OPE ID
• U.S. Department of Education: Official Cohort Default Rate Search for Postsecondary Schools