According to the Open Education Database (OEDB), college students can access 16 online schools in Hawaii<\/a>. Pursuing a college degree at an online school comes with an array of benefits, including lower costs, minimal transport, and location convenience. This article dissects the best accredited online colleges in Hawaii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accreditation ensures that a college meets the minimum educational standards set by the accrediting body per regional or national standards so it is important that your chosen program has proper accreditation. We have compiled the best online colleges in Hawaii, including the best accredited majors and the most affordable virtual schools in Hawaii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fully accredited online colleges in Hawaii fall under regional and national accreditation. Although both of these accreditations symbolize quality education within the institution, they are different. Below is a simple definition of both accreditations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regional accreditation is primarily presented to state-owned and non-profit colleges. Colleges apply for accreditation from several regional accrediting agencies<\/a>. The most popular accrediting agency for Hawaii online colleges is WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Regional accreditation is the most prestigious because it is widely recognized and easily transferable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regional accrediting bodies cover a specific geographic area and colleges with this status rarely accept transfers from nationally accredited colleges. However, students from these colleges are accepted at regionally and nationally accredited schools. The only downside is that regionally accredited colleges are more expensive and include strict admission requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n National accreditation focuses on countrywide institutions with a technical curriculum, career focus, or central religious beliefs. Nationally accredited online colleges are either privately owned or for-profit academic institutions. Students from nationally accredited online colleges cannot transfer to regionally accredited colleges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Students from nationally accredited schools may not be viable for federal student aid or corporate tuition reimbursement plans. Employers also prioritize graduates from regionally accredited colleges over nationally accredited colleges. The advantage is that these colleges are cheaper and accept transfers from all colleges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accreditation in online universities is important<\/a> for college studies because it guarantees the quality of education. Accreditation enhances the college\u2019s credibility, facilitates student retention, and ensures a smooth transfer of credits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By preparing for accreditation, the college undergoes a self-study that solidifies its commitment to quality education and overall mission. Furthermore, you cannot receive federal student aid unless you attend an accredited college and most employers only hire graduates from accredited colleges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find out whether an online college in Hawaii is accredited by checking the US Department of Education database, visiting the college\u2019s official website, or searching the Regional Accrediting Agency\u2019s website. A simple Google search will guide you to the school\u2019s accreditation details. Below are some of the places where you will find accurate accreditation information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs features information directly from the US Department of Education. In addition, you can access a detailed list of accrediting agencies and accredited colleges<\/a> in the United States. You simply need to go to the official website, input the online college’s name, and search for all the accreditations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternatively, you can choose to run an advanced search for a more detailed report. In this case, you will fill out a form with details like the college\u2019s address, outlying area, or specific program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Higher learning institutions in Hawaii primarily use the WASC Senior College and University Commission accreditation. If you visit WSCUC\u2019s official website and click on the directory tab, you will find a list of all the online colleges accredited by the agency. In addition, you can search for your school based on the name, programs, location, or reviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WSCUC highlights schools that have any sanction or notice of concern. The website features information to help you extensively research your college of choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually, colleges will highlight all their accreditations on the official website in a detailed list. Some colleges have one accrediting body, while others have multiple to represent different campuses or programs. If you can\u2019t find the accreditation tab, conduct a simple Google search of the school’s accreditation, and the website will pop up.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFully Accredited Online Colleges in Hawaii: Two Types of Accreditation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Regionally Accredited Online Colleges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nationally Accredited Online Colleges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why Is Accreditation Important for College?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to find an Accredited Online College in Hawaii<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Check the US Department of Education\u2019s Database<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Search for Colleges on the Regional Accrediting Agency\u2019s Website<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Visit the School\u2019s Official Website<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges in Hawaii: Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
| Ranking<\/th>\n | Online College<\/th>\n | Accreditation<\/th>\n | Graduation Rate<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1<\/td>\n | Hawaii Medical College<\/td>\n | Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET)<\/td>\n | 64%<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| 2<\/td>\n | The University of Hawaii at Manoa<\/td>\n | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) (Regional) Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) (National) Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) (National) Association of Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) (National) Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) (National)<\/td>\n | 62%<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| 3<\/td>\n | University of Hawaii, West Oahu<\/td>\n | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) (Regional) Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) (National) Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) (National)<\/td>\n | 50%<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| 4<\/td>\n | University of Phoenix, Hawaii<\/td>\n | Higher Learning Commission (Regional) Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) (National) Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) (National) Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) (National) Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) (National)<\/td>\n | 46%<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| 5<\/td>\n | Chaminade University of Honolulu<\/td>\n | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) (Regional) Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) (National) Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) (National) American Montessori Society (AMS) (National) Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) (National) Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) (National) International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) (National)<\/td>\n | 45%<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| 6<\/td>\n | The University of Hawaii at Hilo<\/td>\n | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) (Regional) State Approval of Teacher Education Program (SATEP) (National) Masters in Psychology Accredited Council (National) Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) (National) Association of Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) (National) Accrediting Commission for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) (National)<\/td>\n | 43%<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| 7<\/td>\n | Hawaii Pacific University<\/td>\n | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) (Regional) Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) (National) Council on Education for Public Health (National) Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) (National)<\/td>\n | 35%<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| 8<\/td>\n | Kapi\u2019olani Community College<\/td>\n | Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC-ACCJC) (Regional) Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) (National) American Bar Association (ABA) (National)<\/td>\n | 31%<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| 9<\/td>\n | Leeward Community College<\/td>\n | Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC-ACCJC) (Regional) Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) (National)<\/td>\n | 25%<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| 10<\/td>\n | University of Hawaii Maui College<\/td>\n | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) (Regional) Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) (National) American Culinary Federation (ACF) (National) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) (National) Accreditation Commission for Program in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) (National) National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC)<\/td>\n | 22%<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n How We Ranked the Best Accredited Online Colleges in Hawaii<\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe ranked the best accredited online colleges in Hawaii by looking at the graduation rates of various institutions that offer fully online degree programs. The information in the table above comes from the schools\u2019 official websites, the US Department of Education\u2019s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education\u2019s College Scorecard tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best Accredited Online Colleges in Hawaii: Deep Dive<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe best accredited online colleges in Hawaii are outlined in the table above. Most colleges are regionally accredited and feature a wide range of national accreditations for individual programs. However, a list of the best accredited colleges in Hawaii will not offer all the information you need. Below is a detailed overview of each accredited online college.<\/p>\n\n\n \r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n |