Distance and online learning continues to grow in popularity for college students, but finding the right school for you can be tricky.
Most students will want to choose an online school that's regionally accredited as opposed to nationally accredited since regionally accredited schools must meet stricter guidelines.
Keep reading to find out top picks for regionally accredited online schools for distance learning.
Top Regionally Accredited Online Schools for Distance Learning
The majority of colleges and universities in the United States are regionally accredited, and many of them offer distance learning (online) programs.
We've listed our top choices below in alphabetical order. All schools listed are not-for-profit and regionally accredited.
1. Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university in Tempe, a city in the Phoenix metro. With students learning both on campus and online, it's one of the largest universities in the country.
The university offers hundreds of degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. Students can choose from multiple areas of interest including:
- business
- engineering and technology
- healthcare and nursing
- social sciences
Online certificates and minors are also available. Arizona State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
2. Franklin University
Franklin University is a private university in Columbus, OH. It was originally founded to help non-traditional students and over a century later continues that tradition with online programs.
Degrees from the associate through the doctoral level are available online through Franklin University. Students can choose from a range of program types including:
- business
- education
- healthcare
- technology
Online certificates are also available from Franklin University. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
3. National University
National University is a private university based in San Diego, CA. It's geared toward adult learners and has campuses throughout California and Nevada as well as a large online campus.
Students can earn degrees online from the associate to the doctoral level. Areas of study available to online students include:
- business
- education
- psychology
- technology
Additional certificates and credentials are also available to online students. National University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
4. Purdue Global
Purdue Global is the online branch of Purdue Global, a public research university in West Lafayette, IN. It offers programs from the associate to the doctoral level.
Degrees are available in many areas of study including:
- business
- education
- health sciences and nursing
- human services
Purdue Global offers some degrees in an accelerated format and multiple certificates online as well. It's regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
5. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is a private university in Manchester, NH. While students can attend classes on campus, it's known for its extensive online offerings.
The university offers hundreds of online degrees at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. Degrees are offered in a wide variety of categories including:
- business
- engineering and technology
- healthcare and nursing
- social sciences
Accelerated degree programs are also available, and the university accepts a high number of transfer credits.
Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
6. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus is a public university in Adelphi. It's the online campus of the University of Maryland system as well as the largest campus in the system.
Students can earn online degrees from the associate level all the way through to the doctoral level. Degrees are available in areas such as:
- arts and humanities
- business
- healthcare and nursing
- technology
The university also offers online boot camps and certificate programs. The University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
7. Western Governors University
Western Governors University is a private non-profit online university based in Millcreek, UT. It offers online bachelor's and master's degrees as well as online post-master's certificates.
Degrees and certificates are offered in several categories including:
- business
- education
- health and nursing
- technology
Western Governors University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
FAQs About Regionally Accredited Online Schools for Distance Learning
Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about regionally accredited online schools for distance learning.
Who Accredits Regionally Accredited Schools?
The regional accrediting body for a school will depend on the state the school is located in. There are six agencies that accredit regionally accredited schools:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC): Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE): Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C.
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC): Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU): Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS): Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): California and Hawaii
Should I Choose a Regionally or Nationally Accredited School?
Generally, most students prefer a regionally accredited school. Regionally accredited schools must meet stricter standards, and their credits transfer more easily between schools.
How Can I Find Out What Kind of Accreditation a School Has?
You should be able to find accreditation information on the school's website. If you're having a hard time, a simple Google search should give you the answers you need.
Find Regionally Accredited Online Schools for Distance Learning
There are many regionally accredited online schools in the United States. Check out the ones above to get started today.
