Higher learning institutions go through a process of validation to become accredited. According to 50States.com, "the standards for accreditation are set by a peer review board whose members include faculty from various accredited colleges and universities." A minimum standard of criteria such as faculty reputation, education quality and services for students must be outlined and presented to the review board. The institute will be evaluated on the criteria provided.
According to 50States.com, there are six regional agencies of accreditation. Each agency represents a designated location in the United States. Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools represents states such as New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. New England Association of Colleges and Schools oversees the upper northeast states such as Rhode Island and New Hampshire. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools serves over 20 schools in central United States. Northwest Commission of Schools and Colleges embodies schools from Alaska to the state of Washington. Western Association of Schools and Colleges manages the western portion of the United States including Hawaii and the Republic of Palau. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools represents the southern states.
The Internet has provided a method for obtaining a bachelor's degree online from an accredited institution. Belford University is an accredited university that offers many bachelor's degrees online to choose from. Western Governors University also provides bachelor's degrees online and is accredited through the Northwest Commission of Schools and Colleges. Northcentral University offers online accredited bachelor's degrees in Education, Health Sciences and Business Management.
Students may find that attending a bachelor's-accredited college on campus to be more appealing than taking classes online with an accredited university. Campus universities can be found across the United States. The University of Phoenix, an accredited university, offers bachelor's degrees in over 200 campuses throughout the United States. South University is an accredited university that offers bachelor's accredited degrees in business, health and science with 11 locations in southern United States. Ottawa University has campuses in Arizona, Kansas, Wisconsin and Indiana. Accredited bachelor's degrees are offered in business, education and arts and science.