How to Search Schools / Colleges (Start Here)
This page links to databases for verifying educational institutions, accreditation, school performance, and college financial data.
What this page covers: Department of Education databases, accreditation verification, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and school safety data. What it does not cover: Individual student records (protected by FERPA).
Where to start: To verify accreditation, use the Department of Education database. For college data, use College Scorecard. For K-12, use the NCES School Search.
Campus Safety | Colleges and University
Visit → Official Free
Crime statistics from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education.
Colleges and Universities (NCES)
Visit → Official Free
NCES IPEDS College Opportunities On-Line database for colleges and universities in the United States and U.S. Territories.
Education Data
Visit → Official Free
Statistics and analysis relative to education data. Input "education" in the search field.
NCES Databases
Visit → Official Free
National Center for Education Statistics databases used to find school, library, college, school district, and comparison information.
Private Schools
Visit → Official Free
Click on "Private Schools" to search this National Center for Education Statistics database for private schools in the United States by state, city.
Public School Districts
Visit → Official Free
National Center for Education Statistics database of public school districts.
Public Schools
Visit → Official Free
National Center for Education Statistics database of public schools in the United States.
School District Finance
Visit → Official Free
National Center for Education Statistics "Public School District Finance Peer Search" comparison of the finances of a school district with its peers.
School District Profiles
Visit → Official Free
National Center for Education Statistics database used to compare demographic information between U.S. public school districts.
Schools & Colleges
Visit → Official Free
National Center for Education Statistics database for public schools, private schools, and colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a college's accreditation? ▼
Use the Department of Education's database at ope.ed.gov/accreditation.
Can I verify someone's degree? ▼
Employers use the National Student Clearinghouse. Individuals can contact the college registrar.
What is the College Scorecard? ▼
A DOE tool providing data on college costs, graduation rates, student debt, and post-graduation earnings.
Other Federal Databases
Last reviewed:
BBB A+ Rated