With online degree programs seemingly everywhere, it's difficult to know which have received accreditation, and by which agencies. Many that have not received accreditation fail to disclose that information on their Web sites. Fortunately, for potential online degree seekers, the U.S. government has compiled a database of all postsecondary institutions and programs -- and a list of all the possible accreditations accepted by the U.S. Secretary of Education (in accordance with the Higher Education Act of 1965).
Follow these steps to learn how to access and use the database so that you can discover which online programs are accredited.
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Instructions
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Log onto the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs at ope.ed.gov/accreditation.
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Click on the link that says: "Click Here to Begin Your Search," on the top right-hand side of the screen.
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Use the two tabs at the top of the screen to type in the name of an institution and click "Search." If you are unsure of the name, you may also use the selection tabs to search by state. There is also a function to search by accrediting agency.
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Click on the name of your institution, and a list of accreditations will appear.