How can I find out if an online school is accredited?
Mia Phillips
Updated on March 25, 2026
How to Find out if an Online School is Accredited
- Step 1: Check the School’s Website.
- Step 2: Check the Accreditation Agency’s Website.
- Step 3: Check the CHEA or US Department of Education’s Website.
Is online school credible?
As more and more trusted schools offer online degree programs, respect continues to grow. According to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder.com, 83 percent of executives say that “an online degree is as credible as one earned through a traditional campus-based program.”
How do I check online school?
The U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) maintains a database of around 7,000 accredited postsecondary institutions and programs on its College Navigator website. You can verify that an online university is accredited by entering the name of the school in the search engine.
What online colleges are accredited?
List of Accredited Online Colleges & Universities
| #1 | #1 California Coast University |
|---|---|
| #2 | #2 Shiloh University |
| #3 | #3 Grantham University |
| #4 | #4 Columbia Southern University |
| #5 | #5 Kansas Christian College |
How do you check if a degree is accredited?
You can use the Internet to check if a school is accredited by a legitimate organization at a new database of accredited academic institutions, posted by the U.S. Department of Education at (There are a few legitimate institutions that have not pursued accreditation.)
Are online degrees harder?
Online classes can be as hard as traditional college courses, sometimes even more so. Aside from the hardware and software requirements and learning how to use them simply to attend the course, there is the added factor of self-discipline to get the work completed.
How can I verify my college degree online?
How do online colleges verify identity?
The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA) requires institutions receiving Title IV funding to verify the identities of distance education students enrolled at an institution using at least one of three methods: (1) a secure login and password (for example, through a Learning Management System); (2) proctored …
How can I find out if my online school is accredited?
Check to see if the online school is regionally accredited. Not all online schools are regionally accredited—though the vast majority are. Beyond the school being accredited, students should also research if their program of interest has specific programmatic accreditation.
How can I find out if a school is credible?
If you can’t find it on the website, call the school and ask if they are accredited and for the name of the accrediting body. Investigate the name of the accrediting body to verify—some institutions trying to scam students will simply invent a name that sounds credible. What is the Graduation Rate of This School?
Where can I find information about online colleges?
On their websites, most schools post information about tuition and required fees for online programs, just as they do for most on-campus bachelor’s programs. You can also request info from the bursar’s office, which is responsible for handling college tuition payments. There are also several ways students can reduce the cost of an online degree.
Are there any accredited colleges that offer online education?
Many colleges like DeVry University have long-standing traditions when it comes to online education. They crafted and developed online curricula as well as the tools and technology to deliver them.
