What Does ".edu" Mean in a Domain Name?

[ray1212]

Greetings and Happy Holidays,

On another thread in this forum, we discussed domains that use the ".edu" behind their name. I was wondering if the members would kindly give me their expertise as to what significance this has for educational institutions, either accredited or unaccredited. Thank you in advance for your post.

Sincerely,

Ray1212

[J]

These days it indicates that the institution has regional or national accreditation.

Until some years back, it was also given to some unaccredited or similar institutions as well - such as Kennedy-Western. Those institutions have kept the designation to this day.

The bottom line is that in itself it is not a reliable indicator of the quality or status of a school.

[ray1212]

Thanks J. for your comments. Is there a particular domain provider that issues the ".edu" designations and is it being restricted now to institutions that are either RA or NA? I appreciate your input.

[J]

Is there a particular domain provider that issues the ".edu" designations?

Yes, Educause.

and is it being restricted now to institutions that are either RA or NA? I appreciate your input.

Pretty much, but note there are also some foreign schools as well. St Regis had the suffix .edu.lr which gives you some idea of how the process can be regarded.

[James Grey]

These days it indicates that the institution has regional or national accreditation.

Until some years back, it was also given to some unaccredited or similar institutions as well - such as Kennedy-Western. Those institutions have kept the designation to this day.

The bottom line is that in itself it is not a reliable indicator of the quality or status of a school.

We had the same situation here, and it was revised last year with everyone having to reapply under the new guidelines - a good idea.