List of Online Colleges with National Accreditation
National accrediting agencies primarily evaluate career, vocational, trade, and faith-related schools across the United States. Because they are focused on specific career tracks, these schools tend to be less expensive, require less general coursework, and feature a more practical, career-oriented curriculum than traditional four-year universities. Continue reading to find schools accredited by agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education and further information about the current CHEA recognized national accreditation agencies.
The U.S. Department of Education accredits colleges and universities as a mark of quality. Accreditation lets employers, other schools, and certifying boards know that you received a rigorous education in your field. All schools on our site are accredited.
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Colleges with National Accreditation
| School Name | Accrediting Agency | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Abraham Lincoln University | DEAC | $7,758 |
| American National University | ABHES, ACICS, DEAC | $8,244 |
| American Public University System | DEAC | $7,324 |
| Andrews University | DEAC | $30,158 |
| Aspen University | DEAC | $3,920 |
| Bryan University Online | ACCSC, ACICS | $10,075 |
| California Coast University | DEAC | $5,355 |
| California Institute of Advanced Management | ACICS, DEAC | $20,000 |
| California Intercontinental University | DEAC | $10,018 |
| Carrington College | ABHES, ACCSC, ACICS | $34,050 |
| Columbia International University | ABHE | $24,000 |
| Columbia Southern University | DEAC | $6,600 |
| Crown College | ABHE | $26,970 |
| Daymar College | ACCSC, ACICS | $19,450 |
| ECPI University Online | ABHES, ACCET, ACCSC | $17,059 |
| Full Sail University | ACCSC | $24,513 |
| Independence University | ACCSC, DEAC | $14,585 |
| Johnson University | ABHE | $16,920 |
| Kansas Christian College | ABHE | $7,270 |
| Liberty University | TRACS | $11,700 |
All National Accreditation Agencies
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
- Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
- Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools (AARTS)
- Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
- Association of Institutions of Jewish Studies (AIJS)
- Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
- Council on Occupational Education (COE)
- Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
- National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS)
- Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)
Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools specializes in national accreditation for private postsecondary institutions that offer career-specific health education, such as pharmacy technician, massage therapist, and emergency medical technician programs. The bureau also grants programmatic accreditation to both public and private programs in medical assisting, medical laboratory technology, and surgical technology. ABHES promotes educational excellence by holding institutions to rigorous standards and encouraging continuous improvement in healthcare education. The bureau is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges is the primary accreditor of vocational and technical schools in the United States. The commission has been accrediting schools for over 50 years and includes over 650 postsecondary schools that focus on occupational, trade, and technical career training. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ACCSC strives to be an authority on educational quality, provide opportunities for students, and help develop a highly trained, competitive workforce.
Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training evaluates non-collegiate institutions that provide adult educational training and organizations offering continuing education, such as corporate training programs. The council’s scope includes private career schools, corporate training departments, intensive English language programs, trade associations, labor union training programs, religious organizations, public affairs societies, and volunteer organizations. ACCET supports student satisfaction, success, and employability through their thorough review of programs and institutions. The council is officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools has over 100 years of experience reviewing independent schools, colleges, and institutions that emphasize professional career training. ACICS works collaboratively with the U.S. Department of Education and the state of the school under review to determine accreditation status. The three organizations act as checks for one another to ensure the highest quality evaluation. ACICS is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools (AARTS)
The Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic School is an independently-run organization made up of rabbinical and Talmudic training experts. The nonprofit organization has been setting educational standards in the field since 1974. As a historical authority, AARTS advocates for traditional teachings and modern thought in rabbinical and Talmudic education. The association holds accredited postsecondary programs to high standards in education, finance, and graduate requirements to ensure academic quality. AARTS is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
The Association for Biblical Higher Education mandates that its accredited schools require students to pass a core of biblical and theological studies, along with general studies and professional studies. ABHE is committed to promoting excellence and forging a new mold for Christian education. Along with undergraduate education, a growing number of the ABHE-accredited institutions have established seminaries and graduate divisions and conduct academic research. ABHE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
Association of Institutions of Jewish Studies (AIJS)
The Association of Institutions of Jewish Studies reviews postsecondary schools offering programs specializing in Jewish studies and related disciplines. Through comprehensive evaluations of institutions, AIJS ensures member schools are continually upholding and improving their quality of education, encouraging overall excellence in the academic field. The association reviews postsecondary schools providing undergraduate-level programs in traditional Jewish studies subjects such as Biblical studies, Jewish law, practice and customs, Talmudic and rabbinical studies, Jewish ethics and history, and the study of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Yiddish. AIJS is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools accredits graduate schools across the U.S. and Canada offering ministry or theological discipline programs. Its scope includes Christian, Jewish multi-denominational, and nondenominational schools. The Association of Theological Schools centers on four core values: diversity, quality and improvement, collegiality, and leadership.
The commission incorporates more than 260 accredited graduate theological schools, all of which uphold 10 standards set by the commission to support student learning and success in theological studies. The Commission on Accrediting has been evaluating member schools since 1936 and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
Council on Occupational Education (COE)
The Council on Occupational Education evaluates postsecondary institutions focusing on occupational education. Its scope includes public technical colleges, private career colleges, Job Corps Centers, and Army, Navy, and Department of Defense institutions. Founded in 1971, the council works to ensure educational institutions meet the needs of the labor market by supporting student success. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, COE oversees more than 430 institutions granting diplomas, certificates, or applied associate degrees.
Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is a national accrediting agency that promotes and develops distance learning as a viable alternative to traditional learning systems. DEAC accredits schools and colleges that encompass over 500 online degrees, correspondence programs, and other forms of distance education. Accredited schools range from small, local educational institutions to large multinational operations. The commission accredits schools and colleges by examining their educational, ethical, and business practices, approving only those who meet its strict criteria. DEAC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS)
The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences is an independent nonprofit agency that reviews postsecondary schools offering courses in cosmetology arts and sciences. NACCAS formed in 1969 when two accrediting agencies in the field came together to create the Cosmetology Accrediting Commission. The commission currently accredits 1,300 institutions serving more than 120,000 students nationwide, upholding academic excellence through its outlined standards. NACCAS is officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)
The Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools is an accrediting agency for Christian institutions, colleges, universities, and seminaries. Founded in 1979, the voluntary, nonprofit organization serves over 80 accredited schools in 21 states and 6 international locations. Member schools are encouraged to provide students with a quality education while fostering spiritual development. TRACS is also a member of the American Council on Education and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education, an agency promoting academic quality in higher education worldwide. TRACS is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
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By OnlineU Staff Writers | 12/7/2022