Is there a list of accrediting agencies recognized for online or distance education?

There isn't a single, universally accepted list of accrediting agencies specifically for online or distance education. Accreditation is handled at the institutional level, not the program level, and applies to the entire institution, whether it offers online, in-person, or blended learning. An institution accredited by a recognized agency is generally considered to have met certain quality standards, regardless of its delivery method.

However, you can find reliable information through these sources:

* The U.S. Department of Education (USDE): The USDE's website lists nationally recognized accrediting agencies. This is the most authoritative source for institutions operating within the United States. Look for the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and their database of accredited institutions. Keep in mind that even being on this list doesn't guarantee a specific online program's quality; it speaks to the overall institutional accreditation.

* The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA): CHEA is a non-governmental organization that recognizes accrediting agencies in the US. Checking if an institution's accreditor is recognized by CHEA is a good way to verify its legitimacy.

* Regional and National Accrediting Agencies: The USDE website will list these. There are regional accreditors (whose accreditation is typically more comprehensive) and national accreditors (which often focus on specific types of institutions, like vocational schools). An institution's accreditor will be listed on its website.

Important Considerations:

* Accreditation Type: Pay attention to whether the accreditation is regional or national. Regional accreditation is generally considered more prestigious.

* Program-Specific Accreditation: While institutional accreditation is crucial, some professional fields (like nursing or engineering) have additional program-specific accreditations. These are beyond general institutional accreditation and should be investigated separately if relevant to your chosen field.

* International Institutions: If you are considering an institution outside the US, you'll need to research the accreditation standards and recognition in that country. Each country will have its own process.

In short, there's no single "list," but by using the resources mentioned above, you can effectively verify the legitimacy and accreditation status of any online or distance education institution. Always check the institution's website directly for its accreditation information.