It is important to understand what Regionally accredited and Nationally accredited colleges mean… Regional Accreditation is the educational accreditation of schools, colleges, and universities in the USA by one of SIX regional accreditors. While National Accreditation includes the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) which is commonly referred to as a “national accreditor.” The DEAC is a single organization that focuses on accrediting distance learning schools throughout the United States of America.
Please, keep in mind when choosing a school, that regionally-accredited universities’ credits may not transfer to a nationally-accredited college and vice versa. If a school has BOTH accreditations, national and regional, it may be possible to transfer or receive credits from any other accredited university’s programs. Also, please ask and CONFIRM a school’s accreditation status with the Department of Education website.
The nutshell version is to choose a REGIONALLY accredited school as they may be more beneficial to you but, again, it all depends on your individual plans regarding your education. However, regionally accredited schools are oftentimes more expensive than nationally accredited schools, but they also are available to offer corporate tuition reimbursement plans.
Methodology:
- All information is cited from the unbiased, independent NCES.gov’s College Navigator
- To ensure our rankings methodology cannot be duplicated without our knowledge, we have chosen to withhold some aspects of the calculations. For more in-depth calculations and criteria, please contact us at the email address provided below.
- Our sponsored schools are paid advertisements that are not affiliated with our site’s individual school rankings. They are clearly defined with the word “SPONSORED” as to not confuse our readers with what has been methodologically researched and ranked by our site editors and researchers as compared to the independently sponsored schools that pay for their placement on our site.
Of course, our website is only one step in preparing you for your journey towards selecting an online college that is the right fit for you. Visiting each schools’ website yourself and requesting information to be sent directly to you for your review is highly recommended.
The schools listed below, in alphabetical order, show their accreditation for the school as a WHOLE, but each individual program, such as nursing and business management, for examples, also may have achieved their own accreditations.
CHECK OUT OUR LATEST RANKING OF THE BEST ACCREDITED SCHOOLS HERE!
Aspen University
Why choose Aspen?: Aspen University is a Nationally Accredited (NA) school but it is not Regionally Accredited (RA) meaning that without region accreditation you could be looking at future issues finding a job especially in the education field. Nowadays most employers are not concerned with the lack of RA but you need to be aware of this information. But having said that, Aspen is a highly recognized distance learning and is dedicated to keeping costs low so that their students are debt free
Accreditation: Distance Education and Training Council (NA), Accrediting Commission
Obtainable degrees: Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral, and Certificates
Areas of study: Professional Studies such as Criminal Justice, Medical Management, Psychology and Addiction Counseling and Project Management, Nursing, Education, Management, Information Technologies, and Liberal Arts and Sciences in literature, languages, history, mathematics, psychology, and basic sciences.
Course flexibility: Aspen’s course schedule is asynchronous meaning that you can take the classes any time of the day or night to fit your busy schedule. You may participate in online class discussions and everything is completed online except for papers and such where you will then upload them to the school. Most students take one or two courses at a time but you may take up to three courses at a time if you wish. Proctored exams are required but you may take them at a facility closest to you and they only occur a couple of times a year.
For more information, please click here
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Capella University
Why choose Capella?: Capella is a pioneering online university dedicated to exceptional learning outcomes that drive professional growth. The mission of Capella University is to extend access to high-quality bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, doctoral and certificate programs for adults who seek to maximize their personal and professional potential. Each of their competency-based programs is designed to build authentic skills and knowledge that make a positive impact on individuals, organizations and the world.
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Obtainable degrees: Bachelor’s Degrees, Master’s Degrees, Doctoral Degrees, Certificates
Areas of study: Business, Counseling & Therapy, Education, Health Sciences, Information Technology, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work & Human Services
Course flexibility: Capella offer two online learning formats, GuidedPath (available for all programs; https://www.capella.edu/capella-experience/guidedpath/) and FlexPath (available for select programs; https://www.capella.edu/capella-experience/flexpath/). GuidedPath provides you with a flexible way to earn your degree, while providing the structure needed to keep on track. FlexPath offers flexibility to help fit earning a degree into a busy life by allowing students to set their own deadlines and progress at their own pace.
For more information, please click here
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Colorado State University
Why choose CSU?: Among the reasons to choose Colorado State University Online is their strive for academic excellence, an enhanced, quality education, convenience, accessibility, and, overall, being a part of a tight-knit community.
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
Obtainable degrees: Graduate certificates and training, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
Areas of study: CSU offers a HUGE variety of courses to take from FREE online courses to veterinary medicine to tourism management and of course, the standards, including business management, education and, computer science. A link to the university’s website is here for you to view all of their offerings.
http://www.online.colostate.edu/onlinedistance/
Course flexibility: Operating on a weekly schedule, there are weekly deadlines versus daily ones allowing you the time and flexibility needed to complete assignments and exams and also participate in case studies and discussions. You are highly encouraged to contribute your input with your instructor and fellow students and to interact frequently.
For more information, please click here
Recommended Schools
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Liberty University
Why choose Liberty?: Liberty University has been at the forefront of distance learning education since 1985. At Liberty University the staff and faculty are geared towards your success and the achievement of your potential goals. With over 160 online programs to choose from, you will definitely find the right course of study for you. Online students have the option to attend campus for one-week intensive classes, tours, and commencement ceremonies.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Obtainable degrees: Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree-professional practice
Areas of study: There are a plethora of degrees to choose from at Liberty University, with specializations in each degree category. Please visit the link below to obtain access to all they have available for you to choose from.
Fees: A one-time non-refundable application fee of $50
Course flexibility: At Liberty University, you will have the opportunity to engage an academic support team 24/7. The online program allows students to study whenever and wherever they choose so that you won’t interrupt your responsibilities with your family and at work. Liberty also offers low tuition cost for a top-rated university, so you will get the best bang for your buck. The same courses that are taught online can also be found on campus, to ensure that you are receiving the same quality education.
For more information, please click here
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Post University
Why choose Post?: Post University makes it easy and affordable to get your degree in little time. They are there to listen to what you need, then design a specific schedule that best fits your timing.
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
Obtainable degrees: Less than one year certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree
Areas of study: Post University offers a plethora of areas of study to choose from…it was simply easier to post the link to their website:
Course flexibility: Post University offers students interactive courses that are taught by a highly skilled faculty. Post is all about you and will have a team of fellow students and professionals that will assist in your success. At Post University you can achieve your Bachelor’s degree in at least 18 months and a Master’s degree in 14-24 months.
For more information, please click here
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Walden University
Why choose Walden?: Walden University offers a vast array of individual courses to advance your career all the way up to receiving your doctoral degree online and is a leader in distance learning. Walden also features MobileLearn which introduces a whole new learning style to fit your needs.
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
Obtainable degrees: Less than one year certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship
Areas of study: Business Management, Communication and New Media, Nursing, Public Health and Health Sciences, Education, Public Policy and Administration, Information Technology, Criminal Justice and Emergency Management, and Psychology and Counseling, Social Work and Human Services
Course flexibility: While encouraged to participate in the classroom discussions, the courses are set up to allow for flexibility within your busy schedule. Tests are taken online and most are graded immediately giving you instant results. You will have constant access to the faculty and teachers via phone and email.
For more information, please click here
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Western Governors University
Why choose WGU?: Western Governors, unlike most distance learning facilities, doesn’t charge per course or per credit, their tuition rates are on a “per term” basis…
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Obtainable degrees: Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree
Areas of study: Teachers College, College of Business, College of Information Technology, College of Health Professions
Fees: $65 non-refundable Application Fee and a $145 per term, non-refundable Resource Fee…there is also Special Fees that apply to select programs
Course flexibility: Western Governors School specializes in helping their students every step of the way to achieve success. WGU makes it easy for students to have everything they need online to complete coursework and to be in contact with faculty and other students as well as having a dedicated partner to communicate with when needed.
For more information, please click here
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