How to Check If an Online University Is Legitimate — 5 Official Methods 2026
Online universities have transformed higher education. Millions of students worldwide now earn degrees entirely through distance learning — from accredited, government-recognized institutions that never require a single day on campus.
But the growth of online education has also created confusion. With thousands of institutions operating globally, students and professionals frequently struggle to distinguish legitimate online universities from fraudulent ones.
The good news is that verification is straightforward — when you use the right sources. Five official methods cover every type of institution operating globally: CHEA database, CHEA CIQG database, U.S. Department of Education database, state education portals, and government ministry registrations.
Read the full guide → medium.com/@northamericancampus/how-to-check-if-an-online-university-is-legitimate-5-official-methods-2026-b4f000d4b7d2