The federally recognized accrediting organization now known as Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) has its roots in a non-profit organization of distance learning institutions founded in 1926 under the name "National Home Study Council" (NHSC) to promote education quality and ethical business practices for correspondence education programs.
In 1955, NHSC established a standing committee, known as the Accrediting Commission, consisting of representatives from its member organizations, to create and implement written accreditation standards and procedures to examine and approve distance learning institutions.
In 1959, DEAC received its first grant of federal recognition and was listed by the U.S. Commissioner (now Secretary) of Education as a recognized accreditor.
In 1994, the National Home Study Council changed its name to the Distance Education and Training Council reflecting the expansion and increasing diversity of distance learning programs. In 2015, the organization's name was rebranded as the Distance Education Accrediting Commission to reflect its primary function as an independent accrediting organization.
You can read more about DEAC and see all accredited institutions here: www.deac.org