List of Online Colleges with Regional Accreditation

All Regional Accreditation Agencies

Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), formerly part of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), accredits two-year colleges that offer associate degrees in the Western region. This region includes California and Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands. The commission encourages academic excellence and continuous growth by holding higher education institutions to standards that best support student success. ACCJC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Higher Learning Commission

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), formed in 1895, is one of the oldest and most respected regional accrediting bodies for postsecondary education. Previously part of the North Central Association, the HLC reviews degree-granting higher education online and campus colleges in 19 states in the North Central region of the United States, from Arizona to Wisconsin. The commission emphasizes student learning, education as a public service, and a culture of continuous improvement to help institutions meet and maintain high academic standards. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation recognize the HLC.

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accredits universities and colleges in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States and a few other select locations: Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. MSCHE fosters educational progress, acts as a gatekeeper to maintain educational standards, and provides consistent measurement to gauge an institution's effectiveness. MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 

New England Commission of Higher Education

The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) is the regional accrediting body for degree-granting colleges and universities in the six states constituting New England and 11 institutions internationally. Founded over 130 years ago as part of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, NECHE ensures quality and encourages progress in higher education by upholding institutions to nine rigorous standards. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize the commission.

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) is one of the most notable accrediting organizations in America, reviewing postsecondary schools in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, as well as institutions in British Columbia, Canada. The NWCCU offers assistance and suggests improvements to developed and distinguished schools in the region to ensure that the educational quality in the Northwest is not only up to par but also surpasses the national standards. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is responsible for the accreditation of postsecondary institutions in 11 Southern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Its scope also includes schools in Latin America and other international sites. Integrity, continuous quality improvement, accountability, and transparency are among the core standards upheld by the commission. SACSCOC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

WASC Senior College and University Commission

The WASC Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (WSCUC) oversees the accreditation of higher education institutions in California, Hawaii, Guam, and the Pacific Region. WSCUC also accredits some schools internationally. Through the accreditation process, the commission verifies that higher education institutions serve students and the public by holding them to high academic standards. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation recognize WSCUC.

Bottom Line

Accreditation has long been a perplexing subject for prospective college students. However, it's easier to understand now than ever before, as distinctions based on regional and national accreditation have been effectively erased. In 2019, the U.S. Department of Education eliminated the primary differentiation between national and regional accrediting agencies. While, in practice, many accrediting agencies may continue with their existing practices, the shift reflects the Department's assertion that there were no substantive differences in academic standards between regional and national accreditors. Experts largely agree that this new arrangement better mirrors the reality of the accreditation landscape. 

While most educational institutions typically display their accreditation status on their websites, it's advisable to verify the validity of their claims. You can ensure a school's accreditation by consulting the CHEA- and USDE-Recognized Accrediting Organizations page.