Method in brief
Program information should be traceable to an institution or its published catalog; credential information should come from the issuer; salary context should map to a named federal occupation. We state limitations where a source cannot answer the question directly.
What we evaluate in program research
| Area | Evidence we seek | What it cannot prove |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and labs | Current catalogs, course descriptions, lab requirements, and delivery information. | Individual learning quality or job readiness. |
| Accreditation | Institutional and, where applicable, program-level accreditation information. | Automatic career outcomes or licensure eligibility. |
| Employer connection | Documented apprenticeships, internships, projects, or employer partnerships. | Guaranteed placement with any employer. |
| Cost and completion | Published tuition basis, fee disclosures, transfer rules, and program structure. | An individual’s final bill or completion time. |
How we use career and salary information
Employer titles are inconsistent. When there is no exact federal occupational category, we identify the closest category and say so. National wage or employment figures are context, not an offer, a local forecast, or proof of a program’s outcome.
How we describe credentials
We use the issuing organization’s current eligibility, exam, renewal, and scope information. Training providers may prepare learners for a credential, but their marketing does not determine eligibility or issuer recognition.
What we will not do
- Publish a ranking number without a current, reproducible basis for every included record.
- Fill a state page with claims that an online program accepts residents unless authorization is confirmed.
- Present a degree, certification, or salary figure as a guarantee.
- Use third-party summaries in place of the underlying school, issuer, or federal source when a primary source is available.