ABET Accreditation Explained: Why It Matters for US Engineering Degrees

What ABET accreditation actually is

ABET (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) is a nonprofit that reviews and accredits college programs in applied science, computing, engineering and engineering technology in the United States and worldwide. It is the recognized quality benchmark for these fields.

A key point most students miss: ABET accredits individual programs, not whole universities. A school may have an ABET-accredited mechanical engineering program but a separate, non-accredited program in another field. Always check the specific degree you plan to enroll in.

Accreditation is not permanent. Programs are reviewed on a cycle and must keep meeting ABET's criteria to retain the status, so verify the current listing on ABET's official site rather than relying on older information.

How to check if a program is ABET-accredited

The most reliable way is ABET's own searchable database, which lists every currently accredited program by institution, country and discipline. A program that is not in the database is not ABET-accredited, even if a brochure or ranking implies otherwise.

When you search, confirm the exact degree title and level, because accreditation applies to a named program (for example, a B.S. in Civil Engineering) at a specific campus, including online and hybrid delivery where applicable. Because accreditation status can change, always confirm the current listing on ABET's official database before relying on it.

• Search ABET's accredited-program database for the exact school and degree.
• Match the program name and degree level precisely — accreditation is program-specific.
• Check whether your campus or online track is the one listed.
• Treat any program not appearing in the database as not ABET-accredited.

Why it matters for engineering licensure

In the US, becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) usually starts with passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and most state licensing boards expect candidates to hold a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program (or to meet additional requirements if they do not).

If you think you may pursue PE licensure — common in civil, mechanical, electrical and structural roles — graduating from an ABET-accredited program is often the smoothest path. Licensing rules are set by each state board and can change, so verify the current requirements with the official state board where you intend to be licensed before making decisions.

Why it matters for grad school, employers and international students

Many US graduate engineering programs and many employers treat ABET accreditation as a signal that your undergraduate education met a recognized standard. Some federal and engineering-services employers list it among their preferred or required qualifications.

For international students, ABET accreditation can also support credential recognition and graduate admission, and several countries' engineering bodies recognize it through mutual agreements. It does not affect your visa or immigration status, but it can strengthen how your degree is evaluated.

ABET accreditation is one quality signal — not a ranking and not a guarantee of any outcome. A strong non-accredited program can still be a good fit for some goals, but if licensure or broad recognition matters to you, prioritize accredited options. This is general information, not legal or immigration advice — confirm any recognition with the relevant official body.