The DETC, based in Washington, D.C., oversees the academic standing of 100 distance colleges in seven countries. These schools have a student body of 3 million. Institutions accredited by the DETC become eligible to receive federal grant money to assist students in need of financial aid. If a school subsequently loses DETC accreditation, it risks losing that grant money. The Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation currently recognize the DETC.
The DETC examines degree-granting institutions, as well as non-degree, vocational and avocational schools. It accredits a school after examining all its distance courses. Approval comes after the DETC's Accrediting Commission is satisfied with the school's method of teaching and effectiveness in reaching students. It does not consider the difficulty of subject or classroom materials.
The commission examines applications from high schools, postsecondary, professional and trade schools in operation for at least two years. Accredited schools offer a range of diplomas, including occupational certificates and bachelor's, master's, doctorate and professional degrees. More than two-thirds of the schools accredited by the DETC are privately owned. Other accredited institutions include nonprofit associations, state-run learning centers and military and faith-based colleges.
Schools gain accreditation by meeting the Accrediting Commission's basic standards for distance-learning institutions. This tells students that the school is operating in an ethical and professional manner. Among the criteria are the maintenance of student records, organized and readily available study materials and qualified instructors willing to help students with classwork or course-related matters. Distance learning must be the school's primary business.
Although regional accreditation has tougher standards and is more highly valued than national accreditation, approval by the DETC is not automatic. Between 2001 and 2006, the company approved only 36 applications out of 100. Of the remaining 64 schools, three withdrew their applications and 13 resigned or went out of business. The final 48 were denied DETC accreditation.