The 4 Highest Accredited Online Colleges | Top Schools and General Guide

When you’re searching for an online degree, check out the highest accredited online colleges! This term might sound complex, but in simple terms, accreditation is a stamp of approval. It’s a process where an independent body evaluates a college’s academic programs to ensure they meet certain quality standards. For online students, this is particularly important.

Why? Because attending one of these schools guarantees that the education you receive is recognized and valued in the professional world. It’s not just about the degree; it’s about the quality of learning and the opportunities it opens up for you. The schools addressed in this article have several stamps of approval from federal, private, and professional institutions.

Article Navigation: What Do You Mean, “Highest Accredited Online Colleges”? | What is the Best Accreditation for Online Colleges? | The 5 Key Features of the Highest Accredited Online Colleges | The Top 4 Accredited Online Universities Under $25K | Accredited Vs. Non-Accredited | Find Accredited Online Degrees with GetEducated

What Do You Mean, “Highest Accredited Online Colleges”?

At the core of the top accredited online colleges is the accrediting body. These independent associations shoulder the quality assessment of colleges and universities, ensuring that they meet established academic standards. They basically act as quality control agents within higher education.

In the US, the oversight of these accrediting bodies falls under two primary authorities:

1. The United States Department of Education (the federal oversight)
2. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (the private sector’s supervisory body)

However, it’s important to note that these entities do not directly accredit institutions. Instead, their role is to monitor the accrediting bodies. The USDE and CHEA ensure that accrediting agencies adhere to high standards. This layered system of oversight introduces an additional tier of quality assurance. Colleges under review must undergo an extensive and rigorous evaluation.

Accredited colleges online have achieved a significant milestone. They can provide an education that is on par with traditional campus-based institutions.

The accreditation process involves an exhaustive inquiry by the accrediting agencies. They must cover aspects such as:

• Teaching methods
• Course content
• Faculty expertise
• Student support services

Types of Accreditation – Highest Accredited Online Colleges

There’s a diverse landscape of accrediting agencies, each with its own focus and limitations. These include national and regional bodies like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and the Distance Education and Training Council.

It’s important to understand that these bodies might have specific scopes. Some offer accreditation to schools within a particular geographic area. Some offer assessments for those offering certain types of degrees.

Moreover, accreditation can come in two forms:

1. Institutional
2. Programmatic

Institutional accreditation evaluates the college as a whole, while programmatic accreditation looks at specific programs or degrees within a school. Both types play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and relevance of your education.

What is the Best Accreditation for Online Colleges?

Choosing among the best online schools can be nothing short of daunting. Especially when it comes to the different types of accreditation. But it’s a key factor in determining the quality and credibility of an institution.

In the realm of online accredited degree programs, where the physical boundaries of a campus don’t confine you, the significance of accreditation becomes even more pronounced.

It acts as a guide to ensure that the school you choose offers a reputable, quality education that can pave the way for your future success. To better understand accreditation differences, let’s examine each form:

Regional Accreditation

Regional accreditation, the oldest form of higher education accreditation in the US. It primarily focuses on accrediting degree-granting institutions. This form of evaluation covers an entire institution rather than specific programs. The US divides into six regions. Each served by a regional accrediting agency. These agencies include:

1. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities: This agency serves Alaska, Washington, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Utah.
2. Higher Learning Commission: Covering a broad area that includes states like Arizona, Illinois, and Ohio.
3. Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges: This agency is focused on California, Hawaii, and American territories.
4. Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges: Serving southern states like Alabama, Florida, and Texas.
5. Middle States Commission on Higher Education: Covering northeastern states, including New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
6. New England Commission on Higher Education: Serving northeastern states like Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

As of July 2020, these regional agencies can accredit institutions outside their geographic boundaries, broadening their scope.

National Accreditation

National differs from regional in several ways. First, national accrediting agencies can provide both institutional and programmatic accreditation.

These bodies focus on vocational and faith-based institutions. Unlike regional accreditation, which is limited to specific geographic areas, national accreditation operates across the country.

Some key national accrediting bodies include:

• Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
• National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation
• Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation

Related Article: Regional vs. National Accreditation for Online Colleges

Programmatic Accreditation

Programmatic accreditation applies to specific programs, departments, or schools within an institution. For example, the business school within Walden University, the College of Management and Human Potential, holds programmatic accreditation from the ACBSP. This is separate from Walden’s overall regional accreditation, The Higher Learning Commission.

Programmatic assessment is relevant for fields such as:

• Psychology
• Dentistry
• Occupational therapy
• Business
• Healthcare
• Nursing
• Engineering
• Education, and more!

So, what is the best accreditation for online colleges? It largely depends on your academic and career goals. Each type of accreditation has its own merits and is suited to different kinds of institutions and programs. Regional accreditation is ideal for students seeking a broad, liberal arts education or who may wish to transfer credits between institutions.

National accreditation is better suited to students looking for vocational, career-specific training, or faith-based education. And finally, programmatic accreditation is ideal for students pursuing specific career paths that require specialized knowledge, such as psychology, business, engineering, and nursing.

The 5 Key Features of the Highest Accredited Online Colleges

Choosing from the most respected online schools means looking for key features that set them apart. Accredited online colleges don’t just boast their status. They uphold rigorous standards through a comprehensive process.

Related Article: Online College Accreditation: Everything You Need to Know

This process ensures that the best accredited online degrees maintain the highest quality. Let’s explore the five key features that these top-tier online colleges typically exhibit:

Site Visit

A site visit is a critical component in the accreditation process. Even for online institutions. During a site visit, reps from an accrediting body physically visit the institution. Albeit sometimes virtually, in the case of online colleges.

This step is crucial for assessing the resources, faculty, and facilities of respected online colleges. It ensures they align with the standards set for providing quality education. Site visits help in verifying the information provided by the institution and offer a real-time assessment of its operations.

Self-Study for the Highest Accredited Online Colleges

Self-study is a reflective, in-depth analysis conducted by the institution itself. This process involves an extensive review of all aspects of the institution’s offerings. For example:

• Academic programs
• Faculty experience
• Student services
• Administrative processes

In the realm of the highest accredited online colleges, self-study is a significant step. It demonstrates an institution’s commitment to self-evaluation and continuous improvement. These are essentials for maintaining the quality of their accredited programs.

Peer Review

Peer review is a process where professionals from similar institutions evaluate the college under review. This process adds a layer of objectivity and expertise to the accreditation process.

Peer reviewers, being experts in their respective fields, can provide valuable insights and endorsement. This stage is crucial for ensuring that the academic standards and practices of an online college are on par with the best in the field.

Accrediting Organization Action

Following the site visit, self-study, and peer review, the accrediting body takes action. This action can range from granting accreditation to recommending improvements or even denying approval.

Accreditors base their decision on the broad evaluation of a college against the accrediting organization’s standards. This step is crucial, as it determines whether an institution can rank among the best schools online.

Ongoing Monitoring

Accreditation is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Ongoing monitoring ensures that accredited online colleges remain in compliance with set standards. This includes regular reporting, periodic reviews, and additional site visits if necessary.

This continuous oversight ensures that colleges maintain the quality and integrity of their offerings. Overall, they need to uphold the value of their accredited degree programs online.

The Top 4 Accredited Online Universities Under $25K

What are the best accredited online colleges under $25K? We aim to answer that common question here. It’s important to know that your journey to higher education online doesn’t have to break the bank.

So we’re presenting the top 4 accredited online universities. These schools offer quality education under $25,000. Each institution in this list not only holds regional accreditation but also boasts a substantial number of programmatically accredited degrees.

These schools represent the height of affordable, high-quality education. In essence, they perfectly embody what it means to be among the highest accredited online colleges. This list is a valuable resource for students seeking a balance of affordability and academic excellence.

1. Eastern Washington University

   Regional Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
   Tuition (In-State): $8,139
   Tuition (Out-of-State): $26,529

   The first on our list of most accredited online colleges is Eastern Washington University (EWU). This college offers a dynamic and extensive range of online programs. They cater to both graduate and undergrad students across a variety of disciplines. Overall, these programs can benefit anyone aiming to excel and make an impact in their respective fields.

   The graduate programs include diverse areas such as:

   – Behavioral Health
   – Business Administration (MBA)
   – Education (MEd)
   – History
   – Music Education
   – Organizational Leadership
   – Professional Accounting
   – Public Health
   – School Psychology

   These programs are tailored to provide a complete and in-depth knowledge of each field. For undergraduates, EWU presents a wide array of online programs, including:

   – Addiction Studies
   – Children’s Studies
   – Communication Studies
   – Dental Hygiene
   – Health Psychology
   – Health Science
   – Interdisciplinary Studies
   – Public Relations

   These programs offer foundational knowledge along with specialized skills relevant to each discipline.

   Notably, EWU’s online MA in History program is a unique offering in the Pacific Northwest. It provides an enriched perspective on historical events and their impact on modern issues. This program, like many others at EWU, is structured to provide a deep dive into its subjects.

   The quality in these online programs is upheld through accreditations by several esteemed bodies. The MBA and MPAcc programs, for example, hold accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). A testament to their excellence in business education.

   Similarly, the MS in Organizational Leadership is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). The NASP ensures the program meets the high standards required for training effective leaders in educational settings.

   Find Out More:
   Eastern Washington University

    

2. University of Kansas

   Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
   Tuition (In-State): $11,167
   Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,035

   The University of Kansas (KU) is one of the top accredited online universities. Its online programs cater to the evolving needs of modern learners. These programs span fields such as:

   – Business
   – Education
   – Engineering
   – Journalism
   – Law
   – Music
   – Pharmacy
   – Social Welfare
   – And more

   As such, students are afforded a wealth of options to suit their academic and career aspirations. This is one of the best online colleges accredited programmatically, ensuring that students are receiving an education that meets rigorous academic standards and industry expectations.

   At KU, each school stands out with its prestigious accreditations. For example, the School of Business is proud of its AACSB accreditation, while the School of Education & Human Sciences is recognized by CAEP, APA, and NASP. Not to be outdone, the School of Engineering shines with its ABET accreditation.

   But these aren’t just fancy titles. They’re proof of KU’s commitment to top-notch, relevant, and globally acknowledged education, especially in its online offerings. KU’s online programs go beyond just teaching. They aim to replicate the thoroughness and community vibe you’d find in their on-campus courses.

   The university doesn’t hold back in leveraging the latest technology and innovative teaching methods, ensuring online students get the full flavor of traditional learning. This strategy highlights KU’s knack for adaptability and student-focused learning, which are key in our fast-moving and constantly evolving world.

   Find Out More:
   University of Kansas

3. Grand Canyon University

   Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $17,800

   As far as the top accredited online schools go, Grand Canyon University (GCU) especially stands out. It’s accredited by the HLC and offers an extensive range of both traditional and online courses. This accreditation ensures that GCU maintains high standards of quality across various learning modalities.

   GCU’s commitment to continuous improvement and transparency reflects in its rigorous offerings. In addition to its regional accreditation, GCU boasts programmatic accreditations in several key disciplines. Some of these include the:

   – College of Nursing and Health Care Professions – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
   – Colangelo College of Business – Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
   – College of Education – Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)
   – College of Humanities and Social Sciences – National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC); Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

   These programmatic accreditations demonstrate GCU’s adherence to professional standards. Not to mention its commitment to providing industry-relevant education. This approach combines academic rigor with practical application. Graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of their respective fields.

   This blend of quality, flexibility, and adherence to professional standards makes GCU a standout choice for students seeking accredited education online.

   In addition to its academic and programmatic accreditations, GCU offers a wide range of student support services. These services are designed to help students succeed in their academic pursuits and prepare for future careers. GCU’s Center for Learning and Advancement provides tutoring, workshops, and coaching to students in need of assistance.

   Find Out More:
   Grand Canyon University

    

4. Liberty University

   Regional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $22,511

   One of the best fully accredited online colleges is Liberty University. Distinguished by its accreditation from SACSCOC, Liberty offers a broad spectrum of online degree programs that adhere to rigorous academic standards. If you’re looking for a college with merit and respect, Liberty is certainly worth considering.

   The university’s dedication to delivering top-notch education shines through in its extensive array of academics. Students can choose from a diverse selection of disciplines, like:

   – Business
   – Counseling
   – Divinity
   – Education
   – Engineering
   – Exercise science
   – Forensic science
   – Nursing
   – Public health
   – Respiratory therapy
   – Social work
   – Law

   This variety ensures that nearly anyone can find a field that resonates with their career aspirations. Each program holds accreditation from renowned bodies such as:

   – CAATE
   – ACBSP
   – ABET
   – CACREP
   – ATS
   – CAEP
   – CAAHEP
   – FEPAC
   – CCNE
   – COARC
   – CSWE
   – ABA
   – NASM
   – COSMA

   These accreditors assure that Liberty University not only meets but exceeds the academic quality benchmarks set by these prestigious organizations. Here you will find dedication to delivering broad, quality education across various disciplines.

   Liberty’s online programs allow students to balance their education with their busy schedules. There’s a wealth of resources and support to help students excel,too. This includes the guidance of academic advisors, the convenience of online tutoring, and career counseling services.

   Recognized as a leading online university, Liberty also provides a range of financial aid options for qualified students, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Additionally, it has a specialized team focused on military affairs, offering tailored assistance to active duty military and veteran students. This team is dedicated to helping military members overcome the distinct challenges they face while pursuing education during or after service.

   Find Out More:
   Liberty University

    

Accredited Vs. Non-Accredited

Accredited programs, particularly from highly accredited online universities, offer several advantages. These include:

• Recognized quality of education
• Making credit transfers easier
• Eligibility for tuition assistance (including federal financial aid)
• Enhanced employment prospects (employers generally prefer degrees from accredited institutions)

It’s clear that accreditation assures adherence to academic and industry standards. As you might imagine, this is a notable advantage that students should weigh in their search for the right program.

Non-accredited programs may offer flexibility and innovative approaches to education. Often at a lower cost. However, they lack recognition in the academic and professional world. This can affect the following factors:

• Credit transferability denied
• Eligibility for financial aid denied
• Acceptance of the degree in the workforce denied

While it’s crucial to weigh these factors, highly accredited online colleges are more beneficial to students both during and after learning.

Find The Highest Accredited Online Colleges with GetEducated

Online education is a journey that’s full of choices. We’ve looked at what sets apart the highest accredited online colleges while exploring the world of accreditation and its impact. Remember, it’s not just about earning a degree; it’s about ensuring your education is respected and valued. Choose wisely, and your online college experience can open up a world of opportunities.