School Accreditation Explained

What it is

Accreditation is a process in which an outside body reviews a school or college against quality standards and formally recognizes it. It matters more than most families realize: accreditation affects whether credits transfer, whether a diploma or degree is recognized, and (for colleges) whether students can get federal financial aid. Here's what to know.

How it works

• What accreditors checkCurriculum, teaching, resources, governance, and continuous improvement against standards.
• K-12 accreditationMany U.S. schools are accredited through Cognia (formerly AdvancED) or regional/state bodies; some private schools use association-based accreditation.
• College accreditationColleges are accredited by recognized accreditors — the ones recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA are the ones that count.
• Why it matters for youAccreditation supports credit transfer, college admission, employer recognition, and (for colleges) eligibility for federal aid.

Why it matters

• Credit & diploma recognitionAccredited schools' credits and diplomas are widely accepted
• College & employer acceptanceRecognized accreditation matters for admissions and jobs
• Federal aid (college)Only accredited colleges qualify for federal student aid
• A quality signalAccreditation reflects a review against standards

Tips

• Verify accreditation yourselfCheck the accreditor's website or ask the school directly
• Make sure the accreditor is recognizedEspecially for colleges — recognized by ED/CHEA
• Beware “accreditation mills”Unrecognized bodies that sell meaningless accreditation
• Ask about credit transferConfirm credits will transfer where you plan to go
• For private K-12, ask which bodyAccreditation varies among private schools

Frequently asked questions

• What is accreditation?An outside review that recognizes a school or college meets quality standards.
• Why does it matter?It affects credit transfer, diploma/degree recognition, and college financial aid.
• Who accredits K-12 schools?Often Cognia or regional/state bodies; private schools vary.
• How do I verify a school is accredited?Check the accreditor's site or ask the school; make sure the accreditor is recognized.
• What's an accreditation mill?An unrecognized body that sells accreditation that isn't meaningful — avoid these.

Key facts

• WhatAn outside quality-review & recognition process
• WhyCredit transfer, degree recognition, federal aid (college)
• K-12Often Cognia, regional or state bodies
• CollegesED/CHEA-recognized accreditors
• Watch forUnrecognized “accreditation mills”

Where to learn more

Verify and learn more: