Harrington College of Design is an independent institution of higher learning serving the profession of interior design and digital photography and 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.

In May, 2007, Harrington was notified that the Institution became a Candidate with the Higher Learning Commission and an affiliate of the North Central Association, www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org, 312-263-0456. In August, 2007, Harrington relinquished its grant of accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

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.