What Accreditation Means for Your Online Degree and How Cumberlands Measures Up

What Is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter for Online Students?

Accreditation is a rigorous review process granted by independent accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These organizations evaluate universities on academics, faculty, student services, and overall institutional effectiveness.

According to Brandy Hensley, graduate admissions enrollment counselor at University of the Cumberlands, accreditation provides essential benefits for students pursuing an online bachelor’s degree or online master’s degree:

• Career confidence: “Many employers prefer candidates with degrees from accredited universities,” Hensley explains.
• Assurance of quality: “Accreditation confirms that your program is rigorous, relevant, and aligned with professional standards.”
• Access to financial aid: “Only accredited colleges and universities can award federal grants and loans. Accreditation is a requirement for aid, but eligibility also depends on things like your enrollment status and financial need.” 
• Transferable credits: “Accredited courses are far more likely to transfer if you change schools or degree programs.”

In short, accreditation protects your investment and ensures your online degree will be taken seriously in the workforce and beyond.

Regional vs. National Accreditation: What’s the Difference?

When comparing accredited online universities, you will see terms like “regional” and “national” accreditation. While “national” may sound broader, Hensley says that in higher education, regional accreditation is the gold standard.

• “Regionally accredited schools are reviewed by one of six regional agencies, and their credits are far more likely to transfer. Employers and graduate schools value these degrees because they meet the highest academic expectations,” Hensley notes.
• National accreditation is generally awarded to vocational or technical schools. “While useful for trade-specific training, credits from nationally accredited institutions may not transfer to regionally accredited universities. Those degrees may not carry the same weight in career or graduate opportunities.” 

How University of the Cumberlands Measures Up

At University of the Cumberlands, every degree, online or on-campus, is backed by regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Hensley adds that many of Cumberlands’ programs also hold specialized program-level accreditations that strengthen the credibility of your degree. Here are just a few examples:

• Counseling: The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and the PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
• Education: Cumberlands’ School of Education is accredited through Kentucky’s Educational Professional Standards Board (EPSB) and nationally accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
• Nursing: The online RN-BSN degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

 “For students entering professional fields, this ensures your degree is aligned with the standards employers and licensing boards expect,” Hensley explains. 

What Accreditation Means for Online Students at Cumberlands

Choosing an online program can feel different from selecting one on campus. Accreditation gives you peace of mind. At Cumberlands, your regionally accredited online degree carries the same respect and recognition as one earned on campus.

Employers and graduate schools understand the value of a regionally accredited degree, and our additional program-level accreditations strengthen that credibility.

Even better, Cumberlands’ online degree programs are built for working adults, parents, and career changers. You get the academic rigor of a traditional degree paired with the flexibility and support you need to succeed.

Your Next Step

“Accreditation matters because your future matters. At Cumberlands, you do not have to wonder if your online degree will be respected. You can be confident you are earning an education built on quality, recognized nationwide, and designed to help you reach your goals,” Hensley shares. 

If you are ready to take the next step toward advancing your career with a respected online degree program, Cumberlands is ready to walk with you. Visit https://www.ucumberlands.edu/admission-aid to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accreditation and Online Degrees

Q: Is University of the Cumberlands accredited?

A: Yes. University of the Cumberlands is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This ensures that all of UC’s online and on-campus programs meet the highest academic standards.

Q: What’s the difference between regional and national accreditation?

A: Regional accreditation is considered the gold standard in higher education. Regionally accredited universities, like Cumberlands, have the most widely recognized degrees, and their credits are more likely to transfer.

Q: What should I look for when choosing an accredited online degree program?

A: Confirm that the university is regionally accredited. Check for program-specific accreditations in your field, and make sure the program offers flexibility and support to fit your lifestyle as an online learner.