What is the difference between authorization and accreditation?
The goal of authorization and accreditation is to ensure that programs meet specific quality standards.
Authorization Grants a college, university or postsecondary school the ability to: (1) operate in the State of Connecticut, (2) to teach educational programs, and (3) to award certificates and degrees. The State of Connecticut has certain standards that institutions or schools are required to meet to be authorized. Private career schools are required to display their certificate of authorization from our office. College and universities are issued an authorization letter. To know if an institution or school is authorized and what educational programs they offer are authorized, you can review our school database here. If the school is not authorized in the state, it may be operating illegally and any diplomas or certificates issued may not be legitimate.
Accreditation is voluntary. A school can apply for accreditation after approval from CT’s OHE.
Accreditors have to have U.S. Department of Education (USDE) approval. These agencies do a deep dive to check the school's finances, programs, and services.
Learn why accreditation may matter to you.
Once accredited, a school may apply for Title IV aid. This is one reason to look for an accredited college or university.
Schools have to renew their approval after a period of time. A school can also lose its approved status if it doesn’t uphold the standards of the approving body.
What are the three types of accreditation?
There are three main types of accreditation that apply to certain academic programs:
- National
- Regional
- Specialized accreditation
At what intervals are school authorizations renewed?
All schools need initial CT OHE approval and then three yearly renewal visits. After the third annual visit, a school may be eligible for an extension of up to five years.
What types of schools does the Office of Higher Education authorize?
CT OHE approves:
- Private CT-based colleges and universities that grant degrees.
- Career schools that train students to pursue entry-level jobs. For example, a hospital-based school that offers nurse's aid programs. A cosmetology, barber, or hairdresser school to prepare you for the beauty industry. Or, a trade school such as electronics, automotive training, bartending, dog grooming, and massage therapy.