Unaccredited Universities in the USA - is that even allowed??

Hi,

being based in Europe I don´t know too much about the US system of Universities (apart from that the state-recognized Universities are very expensive).
On this board I read about US-schools that operate as "religious exempt" institutions, meaning that they are allowed to offer degrees that are not state-recognized, because these degrees are in religious fields.

I just happened to have a look at the website of Selinus University, which is known as a institution without any state-recognition.

I was very surprised when I noticed the statement on the website, that Selinus University is "registered in the State of Delaware (USA)".

I always assumed, that awarding degrees that are not state-recognized is not allowed in the USA - apart from the "religious exempt" loophole. Just out of curiousity - was my assumption wrong?!

Thanks for any feedback

 

No. It's the opposite. Private universities are much more expensive than state universities.

In the U.S., states determine what is a legal university and what is not. But that is inconsequential in real life; it is accreditation that makes the real determination.

 

Link: https://education.delaware.gov/families/college-career-life/college-scholarship-financial-aid/choose-your-path/approved-colleges-and-institutions/

The table below identifies postsecondary institutions that have not obtained a certificate of approval to operate a postsecondary institution from the Delaware Department of Education, are not currently authorized by the Delaware Department of Education to provide degrees, or both. It is important to note that while an institution is incorporated in Delaware, it may not be authorized to issue degrees.

This table is not an exhaustive list. If you would like to confirm whether a particular postsecondary institution is authorized by the Delaware Department of Education, please submit the form below.

Nonauthorized Institutions

Selinus University Graduate School LLC
Incorporated in Delaware: Yes
Website: https://www.uniselinus.education/

 

Many schools start as part of an accredited school, splitting off later.