.edu

The .Edu domain, pronounced “dot e-d-u,” is a top-level domain name (that is, an ending for Web addresses) currently in use by educational Web sites in the United States . In order for you to understand the .Edu domain extension properly, you need to understand the basic history behind domain names.

The domain name system, or DNS, was created in 1984 by the Internet Activities Board (IAB). Soon, seven domain name extensions were created, including the .Edu domain extension. While other top-level domain names had no registration restrictions placed on them, the .Edu domain did – and still does – come with certain restrictions.

Currently, .edu domain registration can only be completed by four-year universities and other higher learning institutions, such as four-year colleges. In fact, .edu domain names are reserved mostly for United States schools at the present time. The non-profit organization that handles .edu domain registration is EDUCAUSE.

At http://www.educause.edu/edudomain/faq.asp, you'll find a frequently asked questions (FAQ) page by EDUCAUSE that describes several different aspects of the .Edu domain registration process. One interesting point that EDUCAUSE stresses is that the .edu domain does not currently cost anything! Due to an agreement with the United States Department of Commerce, EDUCAUSE is able to reserve the right to charge .edu domain fees in the future as needed. Of course, the Department of Commerce must first approve any such fees.

We hope that this brief .edu domain guide has helped you. The .edu domain extension is only one among dozens, so feel free to browse through our Web site for more domain name extension information.