Choosing a Program
For students and families: how to read accreditation, rankings, outcomes, cost and transfer paths before enrolling.
- Stories
- 9on the topic
- Last covered
- November 14, 2026
Latest in Choosing a ProgramTax-Free Tuition From Your Employer Tops Out at $5,250, Until Inflation Indexing Starts in 2027Choosing a Program stories
Workforce Pell's Three Gates: Governor Approval, a 70/70 Test and an Earnings Cap on Tuition
by Credential Review ·Short programs of 8 to 15 weeks can now carry Pell Grants, but only after a governor, the Education Department and an earnings test sign off. How each gate works.
ECU and Lenoir Community College Open a Home-County Path to an Engineering Degree
by Credential Review ·A new agreement moves Lenoir engineering associate graduates into ECU's BS in engineering, with scholarships and capstones at the Global TransPark.
Out-of-State Online Enrollment Hits a Record 1.72 Million: The Data and ABET's Rules
by Credential Review ·NC-SARA counts a record 1.72 million out-of-state online students in fall 2025. Federal IPEDS figures and ABET's rules for online and hybrid learning.
Is This Program Accredited? A Step-by-Step Check Using ABET, DAPIP and CHEA
by Credential Review ·Choosing a program means checking the program, not just the college. How to use ABET's search, the federal DAPIP list and CHEA, and why boards care.
Record CS Degrees, Fewer New Majors: What the Taulbee and Clearinghouse Data Show
by Credential Review ·Computing education data: the CRA Taulbee Survey counts record CS degrees as new majors drop, and Clearinghouse figures show CS enrollment falling.
Earning a Licensure Degree Online From Another State? The Federal Rule That Covers You
by Credential Review ·Federal aid rules require online programs that lead to a license to meet the education requirements of the state where the student lives. How it works and what to ask.
Engineering Added 41,000 Undergraduates at Four-Year Colleges in Spring 2026
by Credential Review ·Clearinghouse data show engineering added about 41,000 undergraduates at four-year colleges in spring 2026, one of the two largest gains of any major field.
Graduate Engineering Applications Climbed as Computing Fell, CGS Survey Shows
by Credential Review ·CGS and Clearinghouse data on graduate degrees and pathways in engineering, computer science and the physical sciences: applications and new enrollees.
More Certification
- Professional Licensure
- Industry Certifications
- Microcredentials & Badges
- Continuing Education
- Graduate Degrees & Pathways
- STEM Careers
- International Recognition
- Online & Hybrid Learning
Reach readers who follow Choosing a Program. Advertise on Credential Review