Accrediting Bodies: Accreditation is carried out by a number of national and regional accrediting bodies that are recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). It is important not only that an institution is accredited, but that it is accredited by a recognized body. Some questions you can ask are:

• Who accredits this institution?
• Does the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA recognize the accrediting body?
• Where can I find a full list of the other universities accredited by the accrediting body?

College-Based Programs: Distance education programs offered by an accredited college or university must be included in the overall accreditation of that institution. There is no such thing as a "partially accredited" institution, and, therefore, distance education programs must meet the accrediting body's standards and requirements.