Online universities in Massachusetts allow students to pursue multiple majors, degree levels, and concentrations. The state also utilizes initiatives to help students access, afford, and prepare for college. These include efforts by the Massachusetts Department of Education, such as Bridges to College for Adult Learners, Strategic Public Higher Education Financing, and MASSGrant Plus.
Students who wish to pursue a degree in Massachusetts can read on to learn about resources and accreditation and find our list of the top schools in the state.
What Colleges Are Accredited in Massachusetts?
Students attending on-campus or online programs should ensure that they choose a school that meets set standards for academic quality. Accreditation is a voluntary process demonstrating that an institution or program meets minimum standards. Choosing an accredited school ensures that you will receive a quality education and that employers will recognize your degree.
The sections below detail several types of accreditation for online schools and colleges in Massachusetts.
Institutional Accreditation
Third-party organizations accredit colleges and universities based on a set of rigorous academic criteria. In the past, institutional accreditation was determined regionally. It's important to choose a school that's accredited in order to qualify for financial aid, easily transfer credits, and ensure your degree will be taken seriously.
However, in 2020, the Department of Education began allowing schools to pursue accreditation from any approved accrediting organization, no matter its location. This shift allowed Massachusetts's nonprofit schools to work with accreditors other than the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Subject-Specific Accreditation
Subject-specific accreditation agencies focus on individual programs instead of entire institutions. While regional and national accreditation agencies provide accreditation to all programs within a school, subject-specific accreditations only apply to specific degrees.
Programmatic accreditors include the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation for education programs, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs for business programs, and The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology for STEM programs.
Top Accredited Online Universities in Massachusetts
How to Know if Your School or Program Is Accredited
To determine the accreditation status of a school or program, you can search the directory from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Prospective students can search the directory by program, school, or accrediting agency. Most schools also include accreditation information on their website.
The Impact of Accreditation When Transfering Credits
Students who wish to transfer credits to change schools or pursue advanced degrees should ensure their school has received institutional accreditation. Most accredited institutions only accept transfer credits from other accredited institutions. Programmatically accredited credits from non-accredited schools may not qualify for transfer.
Accreditation Criteria for Licensing
Licensing institutions may require applicants to complete specific degree programs from accredited schools to demonstrate subject proficiency. Professionals who cannot obtain licensure may have limited job opportunities.
Certain industries, including healthcare and engineering, may have additional stringent licensing requirements. Both the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and the Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors require applicants to possess a four-year degree from an accredited institution at minimum.
Choosing the Right Online College in Massachusetts
Online universities in Massachusetts offer a diverse selection of programs and curriculums. Applicants should review their personal goals and compare variables among schools. The guide below offers an outline for students to identify their ideal school.
1. Check Accreditation Status
Applicants should first check whether a school has received accreditation. An institution's accreditation status can be quickly reviewed online for free. Students who skip this step may accidentally apply for unaccredited schools.
2. Identify Available Programs
Prospective enrollees should consider their future goals and choose a degree that can teach them relevant skills. Individuals can check an institution's website and review available programs to ensure their ideal degree is offered.
3. Compare Curriculums
After students choose potential schools and programs, they should compare the curricula of similar degrees. Each program offers various focuses, courses, and concentrations.
4. Identify Program Options
Attendees can consider their ideal program type, including in-person, online, and hybrid options. Each type has various advantages, including flexibility and networking opportunities. Enrollees who study online may choose between synchronous and asynchronous options.
5. Check Extracurriculars and Additional Services
Many schools, including those with online programs, also offer extracurriculars and resources. Students may benefit from career centers, alumni networks, mental health support, and tech assistance. Students should compare their needs with institutional offerings.
6. Compare Costs
Schools may charge different tuition rates for similar programs. Applicants should compare annual costs between schools, including tuition, mandatory fees, and the cost of living. Students should compare total prices after accounting for financial aid.
Online College Resources for Massachusetts Students
Applicants to Massachusetts schools have various resources regarding program choices, financial aid opportunities, and individual support services. Students can utilize the below list of free resources during their application process.