How to: Research the Accreditation of Any Online School

Before taking any online class, it is important to research a school’s accreditation. Accreditation is a way to rank institutions of higher learning (both online and offline), certifying that they provide a good education. In essence, it is government-regulated quality control for colleges and universities, and weeds out the quality institutions from diploma mills.

Why Does Accreditation Matter?

If you want to be successful in your career, you need an education that trains you properly. If a school’s requirements for graduation are lax, chances are that they won’t be able to receive accreditation. You might have an easier college experience, but easier isn’t always better. Students who claim to have a degree but then demonstrate no knowledge or skills are often fired or never hired in the first place.

In addition, you won’t qualify for most types of financial aid if you don’t attend an accredited school.

Who Accredits Schools?

There are a number of organizations that accredit schools. These agencies, in most cases, work within a certain region or specialty, and are nationally recognized by the United States Department of Education. Accrediting agencies include:

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training
Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
Council on Occupational Education
Distance Education and Training Council Accrediting Commission
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Higher Education
Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
New York State Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Education
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools Accreditation Commission
Western Association of Schools and Colleges

There are also a number of even more specialized agencies that accredit certain types of programs (like dental schools or education-related degree programs). The Department of Education provides a full list of accrediting agencies.

Is My School of Choice Accredited?

There are over 3,000 online schools and degree programs, so it can be difficult to wade through the available information to find out if they are accredited and, if so, by what agencies. Your best best is to search the database of accredited programs and institutions from the Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education. Or, use our list below. Each of the schools listed here are accredited and offer online degrees.

Top Online Universities

According to our user selection data, the universities listed below are those in which prospective students are most interested. You can click on each college's logo to request more information from that particular school.

Kaplan University – Kaplan University is one of the largest accredited online colleges, with degree programs available in a wide range of subject fields. Enjoy a vast library of resources, dedicated advisors, and innovative learning techniques through Kaplan’s online programs. Click here to request more information »
University of Phoenix – Now the largest private university in North America, the University of Phoenix maintains over 200 convenient campus locations as well as one of the leading online learning formats to serve students anywhere at any time. The University of Phoenix degree programs are designed in collaboration with academic and industry professionals to ensure quality, relevance and rigor. Click here to request more information »
Ivy Bridge College – Ivy Bridge College offers online associate’s degree programs in accounting, business, computer technology, healthcare administration, criminal justice and general studies. The programs provide the flexibility and convenience of online learning while offering unparalleled mentoring and student support. For students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree, Ivy Bridge provides streamlined admission to some of the best four-year colleges in the U.S. Click here to request more information »
Post University – Now dubbed the largest provider of online higher education in the state of Connecticut, Post University has been offering accredited, accelerated online degree programs for nearly 15 years. Post’s online programs are thriving today thanks to an effort to providing the detail of in-person learning to students needing the convenience and flexibility of online education. Click here to request more information »
Walden University – Founded in 1971 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Walden University’s motto states their mission: "A higher degree. A higher purpose." The coursework offered at this university is designed with working adults in mind. Those who previously may not have had the time to attend class can now earn a degree online from Walden in convenient and affordable style. Click here to request more information »