How to Verify University Accreditation: Ensure Your Degree is Respected and Legitimate
Introduction
With over 1.2 million students enrolled in unaccredited U.S. institutions last year—many unknowingly—verifying university accreditation has never been more critical. Accreditation impacts financial aid eligibility, credit transfers, and job prospects. This guide reveals how to confirm a school’s credentials in minutes, spot red flags, and avoid costly mistakes that could derail your career.
Why Accreditation Verification is Non-Negotiable
Accreditation is the gold standard for academic quality. Attending an unaccredited school can:
- Void federal financial aid: Only accredited schools qualify for FAFSA.
- Block licensure: Nursing (CCNE) and engineering (ABET) programs require specialized accreditation.
- Limit job opportunities: 83% of employers reject resumes from unaccredited schools (CareerBuilder Survey).
Real-World Example: ITT Tech lost accreditation in 2016, leaving 35,000 students with $500M in non-dischargeable debt.
Types of Accreditation: Regional vs. National vs. Programmatic
| Type | Scope | Credibility | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional | Gold standard, geographic | Highest (accepted by 98% of employers) | HLC, SACSCOC, WSCUC |
| National | Career-focused schools | Lower (often for-profit) | DEAC, ACCSC |
| Programmatic | Specific degrees | Required for licensure | AACSB (business), ABET (engineering) |
Key Insight: Regional accreditation is mandatory for graduate school admissions and credit transfers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Verify Accreditation
Step 1: Check the U.S. Department of Education Database
- Visit ope.ed.gov/dapip
- Search by school name or OPE ID (found on the university’s “About” page).
- Confirm active status and accreditation type.
Step 2: Cross-Reference With CHEA
- The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) maintains a searchable directory of 7,800+ accredited institutions.
Step 3: Verify Programmatic Accreditation
Step 4: Scrutinize the School’s Website
Legitimate universities display accreditation badges and links to accreditor websites. Beware of vague claims like “globally recognized” without specific agency names.
Step 5: Contact the Accreditor Directly
Email or call the accrediting body to confirm the school’s status. For example:
- HLC: (312) 263-0456
- SACSCOC: (404) 679-4500
7 Red Flags of Diploma Mills
- No Physical Address: P.O. boxes or virtual offices.
- Degrees in Days: “Earn a bachelor’s in 6 months!”
- No Faculty Listings: Missing bios or credentials.
- Aggressive Recruitment: “Limited-time full-ride scholarship!” calls/emails.
- Typos/Grammar Errors: Sloppy website or materials.
- Name Mimicking: “Harvard Online University” vs. Harvard Extension School.
- Zero Student Services: No library, career counseling, or academic support.
Scam Alert: “University of Northern Piedmont” was shut down in 2023 for selling fake degrees.
How to Verify International University Accreditation
For foreign institutions:
- Use ENIC-NARIC for European schools.
- Check if the country’s Ministry of Education recognizes the university.
- Confirm equivalency via NACES evaluators for U.S. credit transfers.
Note: Many “accredited” offshore schools (e.g., Caribbean medical colleges) lack U.S. recognition.
What If Your School Loses Accreditation?
- Transfer Credits Immediately: Most regionally accredited schools accept credits only from peers.
- File a Complaint: Report to the FTC and your state’s Attorney General.
- Explore Loan Discharge: Borrowers Defense claims may cancel federal loans if fraud occurred.
FAQs About Accreditation Verification
Q1: Can employers verify accreditation?
A: Yes—77% of HR departments use the DOE database to screen candidates.
Q2: Are online schools regionally accredited?
A: Yes! Purdue Global (HLC) and ASU (HLC) offer respected online degrees.
Q3: Do Ivy League schools have special accreditation?
A: No—they hold regional accreditation (e.g., Harvard is accredited by NECHE).
Q4: How often do schools lose accreditation?
A: 120+ U.S. institutions lost accreditation in 2023, mostly for-profit colleges.
Q5: Can accreditation be faked?
A: Yes. Always cross-check with the accreditor’s official website.
Conclusion
Verifying university accreditation takes 10 minutes but protects years of effort and investment. Stick to regionally accredited schools, avoid national accreditation traps, and never enroll without confirming credentials. Your degree is only as valuable as the accreditation backing it—double-check now, or pay the price later.