Colleges in the United States can be regionally or nationally accredited. Below, we dive into what regional accreditation is and show you some of the top regionally accredited online programs in the U.S.
What is Regional Accreditation?
At the institutional level, a college or university can either be regionally or nationally accredited. Before beginning enrolling in a school, it's important to know which accreditation it has.
National accreditation is usually used for schools that are technical or vocational schools or are for-profit. National accreditation compares schools of a similar type.
Regional accreditation is for state schools and most non-profit private schools. The majority of colleges and universities in the U.S. are regionally accredited.
To be regionally accredited, a college or university must meet the rigorous standards set by the accrediting board.
Credits from a regionally accredited school will usually transfer to both regionally and nationally accredited schools. However, national credits only transfer to other nationally accredited schools.
Who Accredits Regionally Accredited Schools?
In the United States, there are six agencies for regional accreditation. Each agency accredits schools in states in a specific area of the country.
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
The HLC's mission is to 'advance the common good through quality assurance of higher education as the leader in equitable, transformative, and trusted accreditation in the service of students and member institutions.'
The following states contain colleges and universities accredited by HLC:
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- North Dakota
- Nebraska
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- New Mexico
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
The MSCHE ensures that the institutions they accredit give students a quality education through emphasizing three values: protecting the future, guiding for good, and setting the standard.
MSCHE accredits universities and colleges in the following areas:
- Delaware
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Washington, D.C.
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
If an institution is accredited by the NEASC, that school has proven that it focuses on improving the education of its students, values each individual's creative abilities, and has met high standards of quality education.
The following states are under NEASC's accreditation requirements:
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
The NWCCU focuses on three areas when determining whether or not to accredit an institution: performance, integrity, and quality.
States that the NWCCU accredits include:
- Alaska
- Idaho
- Montana
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Utah
- Washington
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
The SACSCOC mission is 'to assure the educational quality and improve the effectiveness of its member institutions.'
The southern states include:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
The WASC used to accredit schools, junior colleges, and universities. However, the organization split into three different entities that still use the WASC acronym.
WSCUC is the agency that focuses on institutions that offer bachelor's degrees and graduate degrees.
The WSCUC ensures quality education in:
- California
- Hawaii
- the Pacific
Top Regionally Accredited Online Degree Programs
There are hundreds of regionally accredited schools with online degree programs, and it would be impossible to list them all.
Below, we've listed some of the top regionally accredited online degree programs in alphabetical order.
1. Colorado State University Global
Colorado State University Global is the online branch of Colorado State University, a member of the Colorado State University System.
It offers degrees and certificates at the bachelor's and master's levels as well as non-degree courses.
Several areas of study are available including:
- business
- human resources
- management and leadership
- marketing and communications
- technology
Colorado State University Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
2. Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus is the online campus of Pennsylvania State University, a public university system in Pennsylvania.
It offers over 175 degrees and certificates at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
Students can earn degrees and certificates in topics such as:
- business
- education
- health and family services
- liberal arts and communication
- technology
Penn State World Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
3. Purdue Global
Purdue Global is a nonprofit public online university. It's part of the Purdue Global system, which is based in West Lafayette, IN.
Purdue Global offers over 175 different online degree and certificate programs from the associate level through to the doctoral level. Special programs are available for military members.
Programs are available in a variety of areas of study including:
- business
- education
- health sciences and nursing
- information technology
- legal studies
Purdue Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
4. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private university in Manchester, NH. It's well known for its extensive online offerings.
SNHU offers over 200 online degrees and certificates at all levels. They also offer individual online courses for college credit.
Students can choose a degree in over two dozen categories including:
- business
- engineering
- healthcare
- liberal arts
- technology
SNHU is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
5. UMass Global
UMass Global is a private branch of the University of Massachusetts. It offers physical locations throughout California and Washington as well as online programs.
The university has over 80 degree, certificate, and credential options from the associate to doctoral levels. Classes are offered in flexible learning formats to fit your style.
UMass Global offers degrees in multiple areas of interest such as:
- business
- information technology
- nursing
- psychology and counseling
- teaching and education
UMass Global is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
6. University of Florida
The University of Florida is a public research university in Gainesville, FL. It's part of the State University System of Florida.
The university primarily offers bachelor's and master's degrees online but also offers a few doctoral degrees, specialist degrees, and certificates online.
Students can pursue online degrees in areas such as:
- business and leadership
- communication
- earth sciences
- health and life sciences
- social sciences
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
FAQs About Regionally Accredited Online Degree Programs
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about regionally accredited online degree programs
Is Regionally or Nationally Accredited Better?
Most students prefer regionally accredited schools since they typically have a better reputation and credits transfer more easily. However, there are many excellent nationally accredited schools.
How Can You Tell if a College Is Regionally Accredited?
There are a few easy ways to tell if a college is regionally accredited. Look on the college's website or search the name of the college plus 'accreditation' to determine what the accrediting body is.
You can also search the website of the regional accrediting agency for that school's state to see if that school is listed.
Are All For-Profit Colleges Nationally Accredited?
The majority of for-profit colleges are nationally accredited, but not all. Some of the larger online colleges, such as the University of Phoenix, are regionally accredited.
Discover Regionally Accredited Online Degree Programs Today
There are many outstanding regionally accredited online degree programs in the U.S. Before picking your online program, be sure to check for its accreditation status on the institution's website.
