Which accreditation is best for online degree programs

Finally, perhaps you are likely to relocate at some point for instance, if you or your spouse is in the military , but you want to start school now, knowing the move may also entail transferring schools. In all of these scenarios, transferring credits most likely will come into play. As noted in the previous section, regionally accredited colleges typically only accept transfer credits from similar institutions. In other words, credits earned at a nationally accredited career or trade school may not be accepted at a traditional four-year college.

Hoey says this often is because academic standards differ between the two. Simply put, ensuring transferability of credits can save you time and money. Certain career fields — or positions within an industry — require specific skills and knowledge. Programmatic accrediting bodies ensure individual degree programs meet the most up-to-date standards and best practices of that discipline.

CSU has a full range of studies available at the certificate, associate, bachelor, master, doctorate levels in academic programs include occupational safety and health, fire administration, criminal justice, business administration, human resource management, health care administration, and more.

As an accredited online college , they specialize in adult and non-traditional learners who are looking to balance their education with their jobs and families. Org as 13 on a list of most popular online colleges , making it one of the top nationally accredited online colleges.

Recognized as a top university for professionals in the military, national security, and public safety sectors, the American Public University System bridges the classroom to the workplace with online education. The school was founded in by a former Marine Corps officer who wanted to offer career-focused, distance education for military students who were always on the move and unable to learn at a traditional, brick-and-mortar campus.

APUS has a particular focus on members of the military community, including active-duty personnel, veterans, national guard, reserve, and military spouses. News and World Report. ALU offers studies at all degree levels, including certificate programs, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Graduates of their J. Since then, Rasmussen has expanded to physical campuses in Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Kansas as well as operating a robust digital school for distance learners.

For each program, Rasmussen offers Flex Choice options like credit for prior learning, self-directed assessments, and competency-based education, which allow students to earn course credits without taking a class in the traditional format. For digital students, the school offers multiple innovative learning modalities, including online simulations and virtual labs, live interactive sessions, and practical, real-world experience to connect your education with your career.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University has 14 programs that are nationally accredited. SWOSUa long reputation for high-quality academic programs and friendly staff and faculty.

With flexibility in mind for adult learners, their programs are offered in a variety of distance education formats, including online degree programs, interactive television ITV , webinars, and blended programs that combine in-person classes with any of the distance options.

Unlike universities that rely on the large lecture hall format, SWOSU has an average class size of twenty students, so students can expect lots of undivided attention from faculty and staff.

Each program of study is structured in a convenient pathway, meaning you could begin by obtaining a certificate and work your way through the ranks to achieve higher degrees as you move through your career. Plus, their instructors are career professionals with hands-on experience in their academic fields. ANU offers classes in a variety of formats, including fully online, on-campus, or blended degree programs that combine in-person instruction with online coursework.

For maximum flexibility, on-campus classes are offered during both the day and evening, in addition to only being held once a week for maximum scheduling efficiency.

The school provides a student-centered, hands-on education that supports your success every step of the way with student services to employer partnerships. If you prefer face-to-face instruction, you could attend class at any one of their physical campuses in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida. ECPI has received numerous awards for its student-focused curriculum, including U. See the full list of rankings below, including Bible colleges.

Thanks to technological advances like the internet, it is easier than ever to attend college. Quite a few schools have entered the online education arena, but some of them are much more reputable than others. Nationally accredited online colleges have official recognition as schools that provide a high-quality education for an affordable price with measurable career outcomes for their graduates. Read this article on accreditation to help you decide. First name. Top Nav. Find Your College.

Best Online Universities. Top 20 Nationally Accredited Online Colleges 1. Martinsburg College. National Paralegal College. About CDU. American Sentinel University. History of success. California Coast University. Southwestern Oklahoma State University. What are the best accredited online colleges? Best Tuition Free Colleges. Awards , Colleges , Higher Education. You might also like. Awards Colleges Higher Education. Read More. Take the next step toward your future with online learning.

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Charles Town. California Miramar University. San Diego. University of Fairfax. American National University. California Intercontinental University. American College of Healthcare Sciences. Westcliff University. American Business and Technology University. Saint Joseph. California Institute of Advanced Management.

Laurus College. Santa Maria. Acacia University. American Graduate University. With online learning choices that let you pursue a degree on a flexible schedule in one of seven specialty schools, Rasmussen College serves busy working adults and traditional students who need flexibility in their study schedule.

Featuring innovative technology and practical, real-world-based projects and exercises to challenge and stimulate you, Rasmussen prepares students for career success. The diploma you earn online at Rasmussen is identical to those issued to students who attend courses on campus.

With online courses, you do not need to show up to class at a certain time. Students are responsible to keep on schedule with course assignments and to check in to the learning system several times each week for accountability as the course progresses. After over a half-century of growth, Mason has come to be respected for a commitment to accessibility, as well as its diversity and innovation in education.

Students gain the same top-quality education as in-person students, but with the flexibility of a distance learning schedule. A public university with a mission to provide excellence in education and community involvement, Minot State University in North Dakota challenges students to achieve academic excellence and to participate actively in community life.

Wherever you live and whatever your life schedule, you can earn a degree from MSU Online. Graduate and undergraduate majors and minors, as well as graduate certificates, are available in a range of specialties. Classes at MSU are designed to deliver a quality education to diverse and multi-generational students, and to prepare students for the evolving challenges in technology and society.

A: The choice of a major is one of the most important parts of pursuing higher education. Many students who enter college from high school, or even from community college, are not certain of their career interests or degree needs in their first year. If you already have a pretty good idea of the type of work that you are good at and enjoy, and have some job experience in a related field, you may be close to choosing a major in that area.

Colleges and universities offer academic advisors to help students decide what degree and classes are right for them.

A: Many universities print the same transcripts and award the same diplomas for online graduates as for on-campus students. Modern advances in academic and communications technologies create ideal conditions for remote learning, including interactive class sessions and remote chats and discussion groups. Online students complete identical class assignments, exercises, lab projects, and assessments as their peers in physical classrooms.

Modern online degree programs are the same as traditional education options — and maybe even superior in some ways. Self-directed education is often shown to be the most effective for long-term retention of key principles, and the discipline and self-reliance needed to pursue an online degree may encourage this type of learning.

A: Yes, most types of student financial aid can be used to help pay the cost of tuition and school expenses. Generally this includes most scholarships, unless the terms of the award specifically exclude distance learning.

Some schools offer additional financial aid options that you can apply for once you are accepted for admission. Many colleges and universities have reasonable terms for student financing and payments while you are in school. A higher education is likely one of the most significant investments you and your family may make in your future. It is important to analyze your options carefully and choose a school and a degree program that will be useful in your career and life.

A: In most cases, no. Some schools offer fully online, partially online with some physical attendance on campus required, and hybrid degrees, with much of the classwork fully online and some of the labs or practical exercises requiring you to visit campus at some point during the semester.

For more information on designing a plan for a college degree that fits your needs, check out this list of the best online colleges. Learn more about getting the most for your college tuition by reading the affordable colleges with the highest return on investment. Text vs. AD accredited-online-college. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Programs include bachelor's tracks in human resource management, pharmaceutical marketing, and supply chain management. Programs start up to nine times each year, and accelerated formats allow learners to graduate more quickly than traditional programs. DeSales also offers online learners the same tuition rate no matter where they live, along with tuition discounts during the summer semester.

Established in , Madonna University is among the largest Franciscan schools and one of the top online universities in the country. MU offers more than 20 online programs, including a bachelor's in family and consumer sciences, a master's in criminal justice leadership and intelligence, and a doctorate in nursing practice.

MU's online programs provide extensive support for learners, including peer tutoring, collaborative learning, and uninterrupted library access. Classes often run asynchronously and entirely online without any on-campus requirements. Students can begin in the spring, fall, or summer. Founded in , the University of Cincinnati now offers more than 50 online degrees at various levels, including programs in radiation science technology, respiratory therapy, and behavior analysis.

UC delivers most online coursework asynchronously. UC offers distance learners flexibility in their studies, allowing them to complete many degrees on full-time or part-time schedules.

The university offers six annual start dates, online tutorials, and many helpful academic resources, along with peer support services and career services. UC only charges a small per-credit surcharge to out-of-state learners. Founded in , Appalachian State University now offers nearly 30 online degrees and almost 20 online certificates.

Program options include a bachelor's in workforce leadership and development, a master's in educational media, and a doctorate in educational leadership. At Appalachian, online classes typically start in the fall, spring, and summer semesters and run for half-semester or full-semester sessions. Many programs deliver all coursework asynchronously, although synchronous sessions and in-person internships may be required depending on the program.

The university also offers academic and professional support, wellness services, and opportunities to join and connect with the online and campus community. Founded in , Southeastern University currently offers nearly 40 online programs, including a bachelor's in humanitarian compassion, a master of art in design management, and a doctorate in strategic leadership. Online learners can also access SEU's libraries, extensive student services, and many community organizations.

Online classes at SEU typically run asynchronously throughout eight-week sessions and feature no on-campus visits, although some graduate programs require internships or residencies. Students can choose between full-time and part-time enrollment options, and all distance learners pay the same tuition rate no matter where they live. Founded in and located in Winfield, Kansas, Southwestern College offers accessible and flexible educational options for online students.

SC offers more than 30 online programs and certificates, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like operations management, security administration, and education. Most online courses at SC run throughout six-week sessions in the spring, fall, and summer, and students can enroll during any of the eight start dates throughout the year.

Degree-seekers can expedite graduation with heavier course loads or by taking advantage of a generous transfer credit policy. Online learners all pay the same tuition rate at SC, regardless of where they live. Founded in , Texas State University now offers a variety of online learning options, including continuing education courses, certificates, and degrees in areas like health information management, advanced practice leadership, and developmental education.

Texas State delivers online coursework both synchronously and asynchronously, with some programs running entirely online and others featuring some on-campus components. Students can start in the fall, spring, and summer, and classes run for five, eight, 10, or 16 weeks, depending on the program and semester. Verifying a school's accreditation should be a top priority for any student applying to college. The accreditation status of your college can impact your ability to apply for financial aid or transfer credits.

A school's accreditation status should be available on its official website. Students can also verify a school's status through the U. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education. Both maintain lists of recognized regional, national, and programmatic accrediting agencies.

Accreditation matters because it sets quality standards meant to ensure that online degrees hold value. Employers and graduate schools know that if you hold a degree from an accredited online college, then you graduated from a program that meets the rigorous requirements for accreditation.

In contrast, an unaccredited degree can cost you more than job offers. Graduates of diploma mills risk leaving school with debt and nothing to show for it but a degree that isn't recognized by employers, graduate schools, or professional certifying agencies.

Regionally accredited online colleges are typically nonprofit and state-operated. In the U. Some states also have their own accrediting bodies independent of the regional agencies.

You can learn more about each individual agency, as well as its jurisdiction, through the Office of Postsecondary Education. Most nationally accredited online colleges are for-profit and meet lower academic standards than their regional counterparts. Students considering a nationally accredited online college should research the school's reputation and understand how its academic standards differ from regionally accredited schools.

It's important to note that most nationally accredited schools will accept transfer credits from regionally accredited colleges and universities, but the opposite is not always true. Students should also be wary of accreditation mills that offer genuine-looking but ultimately phony endorsements to schools.

In some cases, individual programs may also be accredited by an independent board. One example is the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, which evaluates academic programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology. These independent agencies assess the competence of both on-campus and online degree programs, giving students the peace of mind that their school's department offers a reputable program.

Some state-level professional certifications require that students graduate from a program with programmatic accreditation. After confirming accreditation, it can still be difficult to weigh the value and quality of one online university over another. Keep in mind that regardless of whether a program is offered online or on campus, regionally accredited programs in the U.

These standards also extend to the full-time faculty and adjunct professors that schools hire. Any online school that fails to meet program and faculty quality requirements risks losing accreditation. Due to the rapid evolution of online coursework, online degrees are quickly becoming some of the most high-quality degree options available.

To date, well over 2, colleges offer accredited online degrees. While our list of the best online colleges and universities is a good starting point for researching programs, we've outlined additional steps you can take to narrow your list of potential accredited online colleges.

In the world of online education, there is no overall best online college or best online degree program. But there is a best option for you. Ask yourself these five questions to begin the search for the best online colleges and universities for you:. By understanding what you want out of a particular degree, you can make educated choices about which online universities and colleges will give you an acceptable return on investment. There are a couple considerations to make before choosing a degree level to pursue.

One, what level of education have you achieved already? Two, what are your career goals? There are many online bachelor's degrees out there, but depending on your career aspirations you may also want to consider online associate degrees or online master's degrees. The following list can help you better understand these options:. Full-time students can typically earn an associate degree in two years. An online associate degree may be ideal for those who have a high school diploma and who want to quickly gain practical career skills.

Associate degrees are typically less expensive than a bachelor's degree, and many online community colleges offer programs that can open the door to vocational and administrative support positions such as legal assistant , medical assistant , and medical biller and coder. An online associate degree program can also be a cost-effective way to complete general education requirements before transferring to a four-year program.

Learn more about how to choose an online associate degree. Most full-time students can earn a online bachelor's degree in four years. If you have a high school diploma or some college credits to your name, an online bachelor's program may be the right choice for you. Some colleges even offer degree completion programs specifically for students who have already earned an associate degree and would like to finish a bachelor's program.

A bachelor's degree is perhaps the single best way to increase your earning potential. Many entry-level positions at professional organizations require a four-year degree. Business , healthcare , tech , and other sectors prefer to hire candidates who are well-rounded and have good critical thinking and communication skills.

Earning an online bachelor's degree can provide students with all of these skills, making them more desirable to employers. Learn more about how to choose an online bachelor's degree. Most online master's programs can be completed in less than years of full-time study. Many schools also offer accelerated online degree programs, allowing you to complete your graduate degree in just months.

You should consider pursuing a graduate degree if you already have a bachelor's degree but want to switch careers, qualify for more advanced leadership roles, or increase your earning potential. Some fields require a master's degree and the completion of professional licensure and certification. Example careers include licensed counselors , clinical social workers , and certified public health employees. Learn more about how to choose an online master's degree. Source: NCES. Once you know what degree level you want to pursue, think carefully about what majors will have the biggest impact on your current career or future job prospects.

Different majors teach different skills and have different points of emphasis. Multiple studies have shown that what you study has a bigger impact on your future earning potential than where you go to school. Examine the different majors offered by a variety of top online colleges that relate to the field of study you are interested in. Research what specific courses are required in each major.

Also consider what specific hard and soft skills will be most valuable to the work you want to be doing. You can explore our collection of academic program rankings to learn more about the best online degrees in various fields of study.