Is A Nationally Accredited Online Degree Worth It?

Published: 2/7/2022

Is it worth attending a school with national 鈥� instead of the more common regional 鈥� accreditation? The answer depends on your goals for your education. Nationally accredited schools have their place and may provide a valuable educational experience for some students. However, because a school's accreditation status can have such a significant impact on your future, it's essential for you to understand how it relates to your college search.

Written By: Jennifer King Logan

Published: 2/7/2022

Want an online degree that's:

Affordable
Popular
Highly Rated
Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

Editor's Note: The distinction between national and regional accreditation was done away with in November 1, 2019. Former national and regional accrediting bodies are now referred to collectively as institutional accrediting bodies and can accredit schools regardless of geography.

In the higher education arena, the vast majority of schools are accredited by either regional agencies or national agencies. Although regional accreditation is often viewed as the more prestigious, it would be misleading to say that nationally accredited schools have little to no value or that they offer a poor quality education. The truth is that some types of schools 鈥� such as technical and vocational schools, faith-based colleges, and some fully online schools 鈥� are simply so different from traditional brick-and-mortar colleges and universities that they require a separate set of criteria for evaluation purposes. , where you'll find a list of schools that are nationally accredited.

Measure Your Nationally Accredited Degree's Worth Across These Five Metrics

Many factors need to be taken into consideration when you're deciding whether a degree from a nationally accredited school is a worthwhile choice. For example, nationally accredited (NA) schools often have higher acceptance rates, lower to average tuition fees, and more flexible payment plans, which may influence your thought process. However, there are five key areas where accreditation can have far-reaching effects on your education and career, so the following list explains these issues in more depth and provides useful tips that may help you determine whether a nationally accredited school is right for you.

Tip: If there's any possibility you might decide to transfer to another school to finish your online degree program, you are probably better off enrolling in an RA school to start. You'll have a better chance of transfering a greater number of credits, and you'll have more schools to select from when you decide to switch. If you already know that you intend to transfer 鈥� for example, you plan to earn an associate degree at a two-year school and then finish your bachelor's degree at a four-year university 鈥� you should research the transfer credit policies at the four-year schools you hope to attend to ensure a smooth transition in advance.

  
 Tip: If you plan to apply for financial aid, be sure to check with your top-pick schools 鈥� regardless of accreditation 鈥� to determine whether they offer financial aid before applying. A school's website should have several pages devoted to this if it's available.

  
 Tip: Here, too, if you think graduate school may be in your future, you would open yourself up to more options by earning your bachelor's degree at a regionally accredited school. If an advanced degree is on your career path, research several possible graduate schools to determine their acceptance and transfer policies.

Tip: As this is one of the most important considerations, it's worth devoting some time to researching the answer for your particular situation. For example, you could contact the HR departments of several employers that hire graduates with your degree to determine what their policies are. There may also be a professional organization for your chosen occupation that could provide an answer. A or auto repair 鈥� so you can enter the workforce quickly.

You're intent on getting a faith-based education.

You don't qualify for financial aid. Be sure this is true first! and can accredit schools regardless of geography.

Measure Your Nationally Accredited Degree's Worth Across These Five Metrics

  
 Tip: If you plan to apply for financial aid, be sure to check with your top-pick schools 鈥� regardless of accreditation 鈥� to determine whether they offer financial aid before applying. A school's website should have several pages devoted to this if it's available.

  
 Tip: Here, too, if you think graduate school may be in your future, you would open yourself up to more options by earning your bachelor's degree at a regionally accredited school. If an advanced degree is on your career path, research several possible graduate schools to determine their acceptance and transfer policies.

You're intent on getting a faith-based education.

You don't qualify for financial aid. Be sure this is true first!

When to Consider Regional Vs. National Accreditation

Regional and national accreditation are not equivalent. Explore how each might affect your academic future and career path.

By OnlineU Staff Writers | 2/8/2022

Start Your jmcomic漫画 Search:

Review schools that align with your career aspirations.