Regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. to award certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor degrees and masters degrees. Accreditation by HLC is intended to indicate to other colleges and universities and to the public that an institution meets the HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation. The Higher Learning Commission, www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org, 312-263-0456, is an independent membership organization founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. The Higher Learning Commission accredits degree-granting educational institutions located in the following states: Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, New Mexico, South Dakota, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming. HLC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority regarding the quality of education or training offered by the institutions it accredits.

Additionally, Harrington is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award associate, bachelor's and master’s degrees.

Harrington College of Design is an independent institution of higher learning serving the profession of interior design, digital photography and communication design is recognized as a private college by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. The College is authorized by that board to confer baccalaureate and associate degrees.

Harrington College of Design’s Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly FIDER). The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Interior Design is not accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.