Decoding Nationally Accredited Online Colleges for Military

Hi there! I've seen numerous mentions of 'nationally accredited online colleges for military.' Can someone share what exactly this means, how significant this accreditation is, and whether these colleges are suitable for my post-high school plans to enlist? Thanks a lot!

"Nationally accredited online colleges for military" generally refers to post-secondary educational institutions that offer online programs and are recognized by a national accrediting agency. Accreditation ensures that the institution's academic programs meet certain standards, which translates into your degree being recognized and respected by other colleges, employers, and credentialing agencies.

As to the significance, national accreditation is one of the two main types of accreditation in the U.S., the other being regional accreditation, which is generally seen as the more prestigious of the two. National accreditation typically covers vocational, trade, or career-focused schools, including colleges offering online curriculum. These accrediting bodies are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, making the schools eligible for federal financial aid.

For military students, attending a nationally accredited institution could provide many benefits. These colleges often design their programs to be flexible to meet the needs of individuals who may have commitments (such as military service) that can make traditional, campus-based learning challenging. The online modality of these programs allows for learning to happen anywhere, anytime – an important consideration for military personnel who may be stationed overseas or who move around frequently.

Yet, bear in mind there’s a significant downside too—credits earned from nationally accredited schools often do not transfer as widely or are seen as less prestigious than credits from regionally accredited institutions. This could potentially negatively impact your educational and career progression if you wish to apply to a regionally accredited grad school or if you are seeking a job position that specifically values degrees from regionally accredited institutions.

In a nutshell, nationally accredited online colleges may well suit your post-high school plan to enlist, particularly regarding flexibility. It's crucial, though, to weigh these benefits against the potential limitations associated with national accreditation. Always verify the accreditation status of any institutions you're considering to ensure that the school and its programs meet your needs and future goals.