College Accreditation in the United States

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Accreditation serves as a critical mechanism to guarantee that institutions of higher education deliver education that meets established standards of quality and rigor. This process helps maintain academic integrity and assures students, employers, and the public that educational programs fulfill recognized criteria for excellence.

Below, you will find a comprehensive listing of accrediting agencies officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. These agencies are deemed trustworthy authorities responsible for evaluating and validating the quality of education and training provided by colleges, universities, and specific higher education programs across the nation.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of Accreditation in the United States
2. History and Context of Accreditation in the United States
3. Institutional Accrediting Agencies
4. Programmatic Accrediting Agencies
5. Part 602-Secretary's Recognition of Accrediting Agencies
6. National Recognition of State Approval Agencies by the U.S. Secretary of Education
   
   1. Criteria for the Recognition of State Agencies for Vocational Education
      
   2. Criteria and Procedures for Recognition of State Agencies for Nurse Education
      
7. Military/Federal Institution Degree Granting Authority
8. State Liaison

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Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE)
Page Last Reviewed:
December 9, 2024