2025 Guide to Accredited Online Colleges Near Colonie, New York
Are you near Colonie, New York looking for an accredited college or university where you can earn a degree online? Start your search with the Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide.
This guide makes it easy for you to learn about accredited schools offering online degrees near Colonie, New York, including details about each institution's accreditation history, as well as insight into institutional and programmatic accreditation. You'll also find other helpful information about accredited online colleges near Colonie, New York, including cost, program completions and online availability.
Accreditation information provided reflects the recognized state approval agencies, as well as institutional and programmatic accrediting bodies from the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP). Accreditation information listed for each institution may not be comprehensive or complete. Please contact the appropriate agency for the most accurate and current accreditation information. Click here to learn more about the guide.
What is Accreditation & Why Does it Matter?
Make sure the time and money you invest in your education is well spent by doing your research on accreditation. Accreditation is validation that the degree you're earning meets acceptable levels of quality. In the United States, accreditation is granted by accrediting organizations, as well as state and federal governmental agencies.
Institutional and programmatic are two main types of accreditation.
Accreditation: Institutional vs. Programmatic
Institutional Accreditation
Granted as a result of a voluntary examination of a school's academic and organizational structure.
What it Impacts:
- Financial Aid
- Corporate Tuition Reimbursement
- Credit Transfer
Programmatic Accreditation
Focuses on a specific department or program/field of study.
What it Impacts:
- Licensure
- Certification
- Employment
Sponsored
Accredited College Providing Quality Online Degrees for Students
Nonprofit and dedicated to student success, Franklin University was founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, to provide high-quality academic programs aligned with workforce needs. Franklin demonstrates its quality through institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and programmatic accreditation for educator preparation (CAEP), nursing (CCNE) and specific business (IACBE) programs. In addition, the University is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security for its cybersecurity programs.




About these Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission
Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
Franklin University has been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense since 2019, by the National Security Agency and its federal partners. Our B.S. in Cybersecurity received the program of study designation in 2019 and the M.S. in Cybersecurity program was designated in 2024. These designations were awarded as a result of a thorough investigation into the University's cybersecurity curriculum, faculty credentials, and competence in research and student involvement in cybersecurity activities.
For more information about the National Security Agency's Centers of Academic Excellence, please click here and for more information about the CAE Community, please click here.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, post-graduate APRN certificates, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Franklin University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
The School of Education at Franklin University holds accreditation for its initial-level educator preparation programs through June 2027 from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077. The following bachelor's degree and post-baccalaureate initial-level licensure programs were included in the CAEP accreditation review: Adolescence to Young Adult Education (7-12), Intervention Specialist: Mild-Moderate (K-12), Middle Childhood Education, and Primary Education (PK-5).
For more information about the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, please click here.
International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
The Ross College of Business at Franklin University has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please view our IACBE member status page. Click here to see our IACBE Public Disclosure of Student Achievement. For more information about the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, please click here or visit www.iacbe.org.
Find Franklin Programs With Programmatic Accreditation:

Bachelor's Degrees:
Associate Degrees:
Master's Degrees:
Doctoral Degrees:
Programs accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education are committed to continuous assessment and improvement, which results in graduates that are in-tune with current thinking and best practices in business around the world.

Bachelor's Degrees:
Accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation signifies that teacher preparation programs meet national standards for ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills to be effective classroom teachers.

Designation by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Education validates an institution’s quality and commitment to producing highly-qualified cybersecurity professionals.

Master's Degrees:
Doctoral Degrees:
Post-Graduate Certificates:
Through a peer-review accreditation process, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education holds U.S. nursing programs to a common quality standard as they prepare nurses for certification, employment and advanced education.
97% of graduating students believe their Franklin degree will help or has already helped them achieve their goals.
Source: Graduating Student Survey
Accredited 4-Year Private Nonprofit Online Colleges & Universities Near Colonie, New York
Institutional Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for Franklin University. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1976. The latest accreditation action concerning Franklin University occurred in 2025 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Franklin University from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Franklin University are adults and all programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2023, 88 associate degrees, 1,429 bachelor's degrees, 616 master's degrees and 38 doctoral degrees were completed at Franklin University.
Is in compliance with all of the agency's accreditation standards
Programmatic Accreditation
Franklin University has programmatic accreditation for 46 of its academic programs including accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for nursing degree and post-graduate certificate programs, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation for initial-level licensure programs, and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education for specific business and accounting programs. In addition, the University has been designated as a Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense for its cybersecurity programs by the National Security Agency and its federal partners.
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at Franklin University was $9,577 in 2023 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $12,060. A total of 2,171 degrees were completed at Franklin University in Franklin University.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$9,577
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$12,060
Completions By Degree
2,171
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Online Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is the institutional accreditor for Russell Sage College. The institution has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1928. The latest accreditation action concerning Russell Sage College occurred in 2025 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Russell Sage College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Russell Sage College are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2023, 0 associate degrees, 277 bachelor's degrees, 292 master's degrees and 80 doctoral degrees were completed at Russell Sage College.
Is in compliance with all of the agency's accreditation standards
Programmatic Accreditation
According to data from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), Russell Sage College has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 9 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, the American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and the New York State Board of Regents, State Education Department, Office of the Professions (Nursing Education). Programmatic accreditation information sourced from DAPIP may not be current or complete, so please see the individual school's website or contact the specific accrediting agency for the most accurate status.
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at Russell Sage College was $36,756 in 2023 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $13,240. A total of 649 degrees were completed at Russell Sage College in Russell Sage College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$36,756
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$13,240
Completions By Degree
649
Est. Online Degree Availability
28%
Online Completions by Program Area
Accredited 4-Year Public Online Colleges & Universities Near Colonie, New York
Institutional Accreditation
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is the institutional accreditor for University at Albany. The institution has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1938. The latest accreditation action concerning University at Albany occurred in 2025 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for University at Albany from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend University at Albany are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2023, 0 associate degrees, 3,209 bachelor's degrees, 1,278 master's degrees and 165 doctoral degrees were completed at University at Albany.
Is in compliance with all of the agency's accreditation standards
Programmatic Accreditation
According to data from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), University at Albany has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 6 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation, the Council on Education for Public Health, and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council, Accreditation Committee. Programmatic accreditation information sourced from DAPIP may not be current or complete, so please see the individual school's website or contact the specific accrediting agency for the most accurate status.
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at University at Albany was $10,408 in 2023 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $13,625. A total of 4,652 degrees were completed at University at Albany in University at Albany.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$10,408
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$13,625
Completions By Degree
4,652
Est. Online Degree Availability
13%
Online Completions by Program Area
Accredited 2-Year & Other Private Nonprofit Online Colleges & Universities Near Colonie, New York
Institutional Accreditation
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is the institutional accreditor for Maria College of Albany. The institution has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1973. The latest accreditation action concerning Maria College of Albany occurred in 2025 and was Approved for Distance Education. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Maria College of Albany from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Maria College of Albany are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and minimal programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2023, 166 associate degrees, 47 bachelor's degrees, 20 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Maria College of Albany.
Other - Provide unlisted or multiple justifications: Alternative Delivery Method: Institution meets the requirements for this substantive change
Programmatic Accreditation
According to data from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), Maria College of Albany has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 6 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, the American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, and the New York State Board of Regents, State Education Department, Office of the Professions (Nursing Education). Programmatic accreditation information sourced from DAPIP may not be current or complete, so please see the individual school's website or contact the specific accrediting agency for the most accurate status.
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at Maria College of Albany was $17,680 in 2023 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $24,883. A total of 233 degrees were completed at Maria College of Albany in Maria College of Albany.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$17,680
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$24,883
Completions By Degree
233
Est. Online Degree Availability
11%
Online Completions by Program Area
Accredited 2-Year & Other Private For-Profit Online Colleges & Universities Near Colonie, New York
Institutional Accreditation
The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools is the institutional accreditor for Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus. The institution has been accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools since 2018. The latest accreditation action concerning Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus occurred in 2025 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus are adults and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2023, 34 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus.
Is in compliance with all of the agency's accreditation standards
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus was $15,865 in 2023 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 34 degrees were completed at Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus in Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$15,865
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$0
Completions By Degree
34
Est. Online Degree Availability
59%
Online Completions by Program Area
Accredited 2-Year Public Schools Offering Online Near Colonie, New York Including Community Colleges
Institutional Accreditation
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is the institutional accreditor for Hudson Valley Community College. The institution has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1969. The latest accreditation action concerning Hudson Valley Community College occurred in 2025 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Hudson Valley Community College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Hudson Valley Community College are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2023, 1,301 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Hudson Valley Community College.
Is in compliance with all of the agency's accreditation standards
Programmatic Accreditation
According to data from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), Hudson Valley Community College has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 6 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, the American Board of Funeral Service Education, Committee on Accreditation, the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, and the New York State Board of Regents, State Education Department, Office of the Professions (Nursing Education). Programmatic accreditation information sourced from DAPIP may not be current or complete, so please see the individual school's website or contact the specific accrediting agency for the most accurate status.
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at Hudson Valley Community College was $6,694 in 2023 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 1,301 degrees were completed at Hudson Valley Community College in Hudson Valley Community College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$6,694
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$0
Completions By Degree
1,301
Est. Online Degree Availability
44%
Online Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is the institutional accreditor for Schenectady County Community College. The institution has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1974. The latest accreditation action concerning Schenectady County Community College occurred in 2025 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Schenectady County Community College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Schenectady County Community College are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2023, 298 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Schenectady County Community College.
Is in compliance with all of the agency's accreditation standards
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at Schenectady County Community College was $5,924 in 2023 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 298 degrees were completed at Schenectady County Community College in Schenectady County Community College.