accredited online universities in usa
accredited online universities in usa

Accredited online universities in the United States are institutions that offer online degree programs and are officially recognized by accrediting bodies. Below is a list of some well-known, accredited online universities in the U.S.:

Fully Online Universities

  1. University of Phoenix
    • Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
  2. Capella University
    • Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Known for its self-paced and competency-based programs (FlexPath).
  3. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
    • Regional Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
    • Wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
  4. Western Governors University (WGU)
    • Regional Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
    • Competency-based education focused on affordability.
  5. Liberty University Online
    • Regional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
    • Offers programs with a Christian perspective.
  6. American Public University System (APUS)
    • Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Includes American Military University and American Public University.

Traditional Universities with Strong Online Programs

  1. Arizona State University (ASU) Online
    • Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Offers over 300 online degree programs.
  2. Pennsylvania State University World Campus (Penn State)
    • Regional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    • Renowned for its quality and online bachelor’s degrees.
  3. University of Florida Online (UF Online)
    • Regional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
    • Highly ranked online bachelor’s programs.
  4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC Online)
    • Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Offers professional and master’s degree programs.
  5. Purdue University Global
    • Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Designed for working adults and offers flexible programs.

Key Points to Verify Accreditation

When choosing an online university, ensure it is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Look for these trusted regional and national accrediting bodies:

  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).

You can verify accreditation status via the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Let me know if you’d like details about specific programs or fields of study!

Additional Fully Online Universities

  1. Walden University
    • Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Offers programs in psychology, nursing, education, and business.
    • Focused on adult learners and professionals.
  2. Strayer University
    • Regional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    • Offers undergraduate and graduate programs, often with a business focus.
  3. Grand Canyon University (GCU)
    • Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Offers online degrees in nursing, education, and theology, among others.
  4. Ashford University (Now University of Arizona Global Campus)
    • Regional Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
    • Offers a variety of programs, with strong flexibility for working students.
  5. Chamberlain University
    • Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Specializes in nursing and healthcare degrees, including BSN and MSN programs.

Traditional Universities with Expanded Online Offerings

  1. Indiana University Online (IU Online)
    • Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Offers over 180 online degree and certificate programs, including business and public health.
  2. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
    • Regional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    • Well-known for serving military personnel and offering flexible programs.
  3. Colorado State University Global (CSU Global)
    • Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees tailored for working adults.
  4. Oregon State University Ecampus
    • Regional Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
    • Offers more than 100 online programs, including STEM fields like engineering.
  5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Online)
    • Regional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
    • Offers high-quality MBA, public health, and data science programs online.

Specialized Online Institutions

  1. Minerva University
    • Regional Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
    • Offers a unique global hybrid learning model with an online emphasis.
  2. Excelsior University
    • Regional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    • Specializes in nursing, business, and liberal arts, with credit transfer flexibility.
  3. Franklin University
    • Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Focused on adult learners with online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
  4. University of the People
    • Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
    • A tuition-free, nonprofit university offering associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.
  5. Berklee Online
    • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
    • Focused exclusively on music, offering degrees and certificates in music production, composition, and business.

Christian and Faith-Based Online Universities

  1. Regent University
    • Regional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
    • Offers a wide range of online degrees, often incorporating a Christian worldview.
  2. Azusa Pacific University (APU Online)
    • Regional Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
    • Offers online degrees with a Christian foundation in business, education, and psychology.
  3. Concordia University Online
    • Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Operates various campuses offering faith-based programs online.

Military and Public Service-Oriented Universities

  1. Norwich University Online
    • Regional Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
    • Known for military and public administration programs.
  2. Troy University Online
    • Regional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
    • Provides military-friendly programs in business, education, and social sciences.

Professional and Technical Online Programs

  1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
    • Regional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
    • Specializes in aviation, aerospace, and engineering.
  2. Drexel University Online
    • Regional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    • Offers strong programs in healthcare, technology, and business.
  3. Florida International University (FIU Online)
    • Regional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
    • Offers over 100 online programs, with a focus on diverse, career-ready degrees.

Tips for Choosing an Online University:

  1. Verify Accreditation: Use the CHEA website or U.S. Department of Education’s database to confirm an institution’s accreditation.
  2. Assess Program Flexibility: Look for programs that match your schedule, especially if you’re balancing work or other commitments.
  3. Check Tuition and Financial Aid: Compare tuition costs and available scholarships or employer-sponsored programs.
  4. Look for Reviews and Outcomes: Research alumni success stories and program rankings to gauge the quality.

State Universities with Extensive Online Options

  1. University of Massachusetts Global (formerly Brandman University)
    • Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
    • Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, and health.
  2. Texas Tech University Online (TTU eLearning)
    • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
    • Features undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, including engineering and agriculture.
  3. University of Arizona Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Known for flexible bachelor’s and master’s programs in diverse fields such as science, business, and education.
  4. Rutgers University Online
    • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    • Offers high-quality online programs in social work, health sciences, and business.
  5. University of Alabama Online (Bama by Distance)
    • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
    • Programs include nursing, engineering, and business administration.

Research-Intensive Institutions Offering Online Degrees

  1. Johns Hopkins University (JHU Online)
    • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    • Online programs in public health, biomedical sciences, and data analytics.
  2. University of Michigan Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Known for online certificates, professional development courses, and some degree programs.
  3. University of Southern California (USC Online)
    • Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
    • Graduate-focused programs in education, business, and engineering.
  4. Georgetown University Online
    • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    • Offers online master’s programs in fields like nursing, business, and cybersecurity.
  5. Harvard University Extension School (Harvard Online)
    • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
    • Part-time, online degree and certificate options in business, IT, and liberal arts.

Online Programs for Specialized Professions

  1. Utica University Online
    • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    • Known for online nursing, cybersecurity, and criminal justice programs.
  2. New England College Online
    • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
    • Offers online undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on creative writing, business, and psychology.
  3. Lynn University Online
    • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
    • Offers unique iPad-powered learning in online business, communication, and arts degrees.
  4. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD eLearning)
    • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
    • Renowned for art, design, and animation programs offered fully online.
  5. Bellevue University
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Focuses on adult learners with strong business, IT, and healthcare degrees.

Military-Friendly Online Universities

  1. American InterContinental University (AIU Online)
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Offers flexible programs with a focus on business, criminal justice, and education.
  2. Park University Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Popular among military students, offering programs in public administration and IT.
  3. Columbia Southern University (CSU)
    • Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
    • Specializes in fire science, public administration, and criminal justice.

Affordable and Flexible Online Colleges

  1. Thomas Edison State University (TESU)
    • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    • Known for its affordability and credit-for-experience options for adult learners.
  2. Charter Oak State College
    • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
    • Offers flexible programs that allow students to transfer credits from other institutions.
  3. South Dakota State University Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Affordable online programs in education, health sciences, and agricultural sciences.
  4. Fort Hays State University (FHSU Virtual College)
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Offers some of the most affordable tuition rates for online programs in business, education, and IT.

Online Colleges for Healthcare and Nursing

  1. Chatham University Online
    • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    • Specializes in online healthcare and sustainability programs.
  2. Rush University Online
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Offers nursing, health sciences, and public health programs with flexible schedules.
  3. Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU Online)
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    • Offers nursing, education, and leadership-focused degrees.

How to Explore Further

  1. Visit University Websites: Most universities have dedicated pages for their online programs with comprehensive details about admissions, tuition, and program structure.
  2. Explore MOOC Platforms: Some traditional universities offer for-credit online programs through platforms like Coursera or edX (e.g., University of Illinois, MIT, Harvard).
  3. Check Rankings: Websites like U.S. News & World Report or The Princeton Review often rank online programs by quality and affordability.
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