The Council on Occupational Education (COE) was initially established in 1971 as a regional accrediting commission within the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
The organization was re-established in 1995 as a national accreditor, distinct from SACS. COE is an independent, non-profit organization which evaluates and accredits non-degree-granting career and technical schools, as well as institutions which offer applied associate’s degree programs. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) as a reputable national accreditor.
A list of all institutions accredited by COE is available at www.council.org/accredited-institutions.
Accreditation Eligibility
An institution must fulfill certain criteria before becoming eligible for accreditation through COE. The institution must be licensed by the state, and must operate for at least one-year as a licensed post-secondary institution.
The institution must only provide career and vocational oriented training programs, and must grant diplomas, certificates, or degrees up to (but not beyond) the level of Associate’s degree. The institution must also demonstrate financial stability, and must undergo an audit from an external CPA firm.
Also, COE will not accredit any institutions whose accreditation status has been denied or revoked by any other DOE-recognized accrediting agency.
See also:
– Accreditation in Higher Education
Regional Accreditors:
– Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
– New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE)
– North Central Association of Colleges and Schools The Higher Learning Commission (NCA-HLC)
– Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities (NWCCU)
– Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
– Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges
National Accreditors
– Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
– Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
– Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
– Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
– Council on Occupational Education (COE)