Search online for the university, college or degree program institution using a reputable search engine like Google, Yahoo! Search or Bing. Most legitimate higher education institutions will have a website for admissions and registration information. However, you cannot base a credible institution solely off the website. College Board, an SAT preparation and college finder website, offers a database with hundreds of domestic and international colleges and universities (see Resources).
Check with the U.S. Department of Education's online database of accredited college and university programs and institutions (see Resources). The database will also provide you with contact information in case you want to email or call the institution.
Call accrediting agencies. The North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (see Resources), among other accrediting agencies, and the Higher Learning Commission offer services to institutions to further validate their accreditation. For business and medical degrees, contact the Association to Advanced Collegiate Schools of Business and the Association of American Medical Colleges, respectively.
Double-check with the graduate of the degree. Many factors could hinder your ability to find the institution, including clerical errors by the graduate or a mix-up of another institution with a similar name that produces fake degrees.