Who regulates online colleges?

Answer 1

There are a number of agencies at the federal, regional, state, and local agencies that play a part. If you are looking for a valid college or university that offers online degrees, remember to make sure the institution has a regional accreditation. In this way your degree will be recognized as valid by all other colleges and universities, as well as employers. This is the most important accreditation. the regional accreditation agencies within the United States are as follows.

Regional Accreditation Agencies

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools - Educational institutions in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, as well as schools for American children in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges - Educational institutions in the six New England states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont).
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools - Educational institutions in Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, New Mexico, South Dakota, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
• Northwest Association of Accredited Schools - Primary and secondary schools in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities - Postsecondary institutions (colleges and universities) in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges - Educational institutions in California, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Micronesia, Palau, and Northern Marianas Islands.
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - Educational institutions in Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and Texas.

Answer 2

Online colleges are typically regulated by the same accreditation agencies that oversee traditional brick-and-mortar universities. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education ensures that online colleges meet certain standards for federal financial aid eligibility. State regulatory bodies may also have their own guidelines and requirements for online colleges operating within their jurisdiction.