The Secretary of the United States Department of Education recognizes select accrediting agencies as reliable authorities regarding the quality of education or training offered by the institution or programs they accredit. Accreditation by a recognized accrediting agency is part of the requirements for institutions to participate in federal student aid programs.
The Secretary and the department are not responsible for accrediting institutions of higher education. Accrediting agencies accredit institutions, colleges, and universities, as well as programs.
It is important to understand that accrediting agencies may voluntarily seek recognition from the Secretary only if the schools and institutions they accredit need the Secretary's recognition to participate in certain federal programs, such as federal student financial aid programs.
An accrediting agency that meets the Department's criteria for recognition is considered a reliable authority for measuring the quality of education or training provided by the institutions it accredits in the United States and its territories.
Unrecognized Accrediting Agencies
- Some agencies may be working towards recognition with the Secretary
- Others may not meet the criteria for recognition
Although these accrediting agencies are unrecognized, that does not mean they lack high-quality standards. Likewise, because the Secretary does not recognize an accrediting agency does not mean that the institutions accredited by that agency do not provide a quality education.
It is important to understand the positions taken by the respective territories regarding accrediting agencies or quality assurance bodies locally, regionally, and internationally.
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