Accreditation is crucial for online institutions in order to ensure that their academic standards are high. You will also want your online school to be accredited for the sake of its reputation, as employers will consider accreditation when evaluating your job application.
Accreditation signifies that a school has been evaluated by a recognized accrediting organization. These groups may be local, regional, or national.
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Schools are evaluated and monitored for academic excellence and quality in order to earn accreditation.
Alexandra Markin, an online student since 2017, stated that accreditation was a major consideration when selecting an online school. Initial research did not include any institutions that were not accredited.
Unaccredited online schools should be avoided. You will not be able to transfer credits from other institutions, your degree may not be recognized by other schools if you wish to pursue another degree, and employers will likely doubt the quality of your education.
Unaccredited programs can also affect your eligibility for financial aid.
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Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges and Universities Courses:
1# Southern New Hampshire University:
Accreditation
New England Commission on Higher Education
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $320
Out-of-State | $320
Online Degrees Offered
Associate, bachelor’s, master’s
SNHU, a private institution in Manchester, New Hampshire, provides over 200 online programs. The accredited university prioritizes adaptability and integrates career-focused assistance into its programs.
You can pursue a bachelor’s degree in a variety of disciplines, including business, art, education, engineering, and healthcare. Terms for undergraduates last eight weeks, while terms for graduate students last ten. SNHU evaluates applications continuously. Candidates collaborate with the admissions staff to complete the enrollment procedure.
2# University of Florida:
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $129
Out-of-State | $553
Online Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate
Through UF Online, you can acquire a bachelor’s degree in one of 24 disciplines or pursue a master’s or doctoral degree. You can select from disciplines such as advertising, anthropology, business administration, and computer science. Additionally, the institution offers multiple certificate programs.
Online students earn the same degree as their on-campus counterparts while saving an estimated 40 percent on expenses. All application materials must be submitted online, and there is a $30 application fee. Admitted students collaborate with an academic advisor to develop an individualized degree plan.
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3# Liberty University:
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $390
Out-of-State | $390
Online Degrees Offered
Associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate
Liberty provides hundreds of online undergraduate and graduate degrees. The programs at the private Baptist university incorporate Christian principles. Bachelor’s degrees are available in disciplines such as data analysis, applied ministry, aviation management, and leadership.
The virtual classroom format permits independent completion of coursework. The majority of classes operate on an eight-week term, with eight available commencement dates per year. You can submit an application to Liberty online or by phone. Many programs at Liberty admit students with unofficial transcripts.
4# Florida International University:
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $147
Out-of-State | $264
Online Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate
With two campuses in Miami, FIU enrolls over 56,000 students. You can obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree online through FIU Online. There are more than 130 online courses taught by qualified instructors.
Popular disciplines at the institution include communication, economics, finance, and information technology. Distance learners have access to over 1,500 courses and extracurricular support services. Apply online; a $30 application fee is required. FIU requires SAT or ACT scores as well as the FAFSA application.
5# Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College:
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $379
Out-of-State | $379
Online Degrees Offered
Associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate
The online programs offered by LSU permit enrollment in courses from four state university campuses. Through LSU Online, over 100 online programs are available.
The disciplines offered by the public university are business analytics, construction management, digital marketing, and IT management. Additionally, you can specialize in interdisciplinary studies, allowing you to tailor your degree.
Applicants collaborate with an enrollment advisor to submit documents such as official transcripts. The university waives the application fee for qualified applicants.
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5# University of Missouri-Columbia:
Accreditation
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $336
Out-of-State | $430
Online Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate
The University of Missouri prioritizes adaptability in its online programs. Through Missouri Online, you can obtain an online degree by taking courses from four state universities. Business, computer science, communication, education, and nursing are all popular options.
You will gain access to advisors and student support services. The public university encourages student connections in order to expand the academic community.
First-year applicants must complete certain secondary school courses and meet the minimum test score and grade point average requirements of the University of Missouri. The university also provides an admissions route that does not require standardized testing.
6# Temple University:
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $634
Out-of-State | $634
Online Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate
There are three bachelor’s programs and over a dozen graduate programs available at Temple, including degrees in business, social work, education, and liberal studies.
The Office of Digital Education facilitates student access to classes and achievement of educational objectives. Experts from the learning support network assist both undergraduate and graduate students, and orientation is beneficial for new online students.
You can directly apply to the online program via TU’s admissions portal. Contact specific programs for more information on deadlines and requirements.
7# The University of West Florida:
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $219
Out-of-State | $648
Online Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate
The University of West Florida in Pensacola offers more than 100 degree-granting programs, including dozens of online degrees. Undergraduates can earn degrees in accounting, public health, instructional design, and maritime studies, while graduates can major in data science, nursing, social work, and healthcare administration.
Students from the first generation also benefit from the university’s extensive resources and support systems.
Non-Florida residents are eligible for tuition waivers at UWF, including a 90% out-of-state tuition waiver for graduate students and a 75% waiver for undergraduates. International students are also eligible for tuition discounts. Prospective pupils are required to submit an application and official transcripts online. The ACT or SAT may be required.
8# University of Louisville:
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $514
Out-of-State | $514
Online Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate
UofL offers online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Popular programs at the public university include business administration, communication, healthcare administration, political science, and psychology.
You can also enroll in one of over fifty hybrid programs designed for nontraditional and mature students.
Apply online by submitting an application fee of $25 and submitting your application. Prospective students must also submit official transcripts and ACT or SAT scores.
9# University of Maryland Global Campus:
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $312
Out-of-State | $499
Online Degrees Offered
Associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate
At UMGC, distance education has a lengthy history, dating back to 1947. Today, the public university offers more than 125 undergraduate and graduate programs. You can save money on textbooks and other school-related expenses because nearly every class employs free instructional materials.
Graduates receive lifetime career services, including access to job postings and mentorship opportunities. Admission requirements include graduation from a state-approved high school, passing a high school equivalency exam, or meeting homeschooling requirements.
How to Choose an Accredited Online College: 5 Tips
Define Your Goals:
Your career and academic objectives will determine how you rank the features of an online college. Think about the amount of time you’d like to spend in school, the skills and knowledge you’d like to graduate with, and the career you’d like to pursue after completing your degree.
Choose a Major:
Knowing your intended major can help you choose an online college.
Once you’ve chosen a major, you can compare degree programs. Consider factors such as the program’s course offerings, program structure, and networking opportunities.
If you have not yet chosen a major, search for online colleges that offer a variety of interesting majors.
Alternatively, you could earn an online associate’s degree in general studies and then choose a more specialized concentration for your bachelor’s degree.
Research Online Colleges:
Do not apply to the first online institution you encounter. Instead, investigate a variety of colleges to discover the best fit. Compile a list of online institutions that offer your desired major or another feature.
Markin stated, “I compiled a list of all the Canadian schools that offered online degrees and conducted research on each one, including whether they were accredited, how long they had been offering online education, and what programs (and how many) they offered.”
You can compare online institutions in the following areas:
- Scheduling flexibility
- Programs offered
- Student Resources
- Course formats
- Faculty reputation and experience
- Career services
- Alumni network
For instance, you may only want to apply to programs that offer synchronous classes, meaning that you will take virtual classes in real-time with other students via video conferencing software such as Zoom.
In contrast, an asynchronous class structure is more relaxed and allows you to complete assignments at your own pace. You will engage in self-directed courses and recorded lectures.
Some students favor online institutions with hybrid schedules that include some in-person courses or opportunities for hands-on learning, such as lab work.
By comparing these features, you can select the online college that best accommodates your schedule, preferences, and career goals.
Confirm Accreditation:
Before submitting an application to an online school, verify its accreditation. The majority of colleges detail their accreditation status and agency on their websites.
You can also visit the website of the accrediting agency to confirm that a school is listed.
Determine Costs:
Many online schools do not charge students differently based on where they reside; rather, all online students pay the same tuition rate.
Traditional on-campus colleges with online programs may distinguish between in-state and out-of-state students. In these instances, selecting an online program from a school in your state should entitle you to in-state tuition rates.
In Florida, for instance, online college tuition can begin at $9,000. In New York, tuition can cost approximately $15,000 per year, whereas online institutions in California can cost approximately $14,000.
Utilize the map below to learn more about online colleges and universities in your state that are accredited.