2026 Guide to Accredited Colleges Near Shelby, North Carolina
Are you near Shelby, North Carolina looking for an accredited college or university where you can earn a degree? Start your search with the Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide.
This guide makes it easy for you to learn about accredited schools offering degrees near Shelby, North Carolina, 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 colleges near Shelby, North Carolina, 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 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 H.K. & Eva James College 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, Intervention Specialist: Mild-Moderate, Middle Childhood Education, and Primary Education.
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 Colleges & Universities Near Shelby, North Carolina
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 2026 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 2024, 98 associate degrees, 1,602 bachelor's degrees, 840 master's degrees and 65 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 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $12,060. A total of 2,605 degrees were completed at Franklin University in Franklin University.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$9,577
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$12,060
Completions By Degree
2,605
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Gardner-Webb University. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1948. The latest accreditation action concerning Gardner-Webb University occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Gardner-Webb University from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Gardner-Webb University are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 10 associate degrees, 447 bachelor's degrees, 413 master's degrees and 101 doctoral degrees were completed at Gardner-Webb University.
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), Gardner-Webb University 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 Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher 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 Gardner-Webb University was $33,450 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $11,300. A total of 971 degrees were completed at Gardner-Webb University in Gardner-Webb University.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$33,450
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$11,300
Completions By Degree
971
Est. Online Degree Availability
67%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Limestone University. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1928. The latest accreditation action concerning Limestone University occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Limestone University from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Limestone University are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 33 associate degrees, 402 bachelor's degrees, 110 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Limestone University.
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), Limestone University has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 2 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher 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 Limestone University was $27,500 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $12,500. A total of 545 degrees were completed at Limestone University in Limestone University.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$27,500
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$12,500
Completions By Degree
545
Est. Online Degree Availability
85%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Belmont Abbey College. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1936. The latest accreditation action concerning Belmont Abbey College occurred in 2026 and was Grant Substantive Change: Degree. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Belmont Abbey College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Belmont Abbey College are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 0 associate degrees, 332 bachelor's degrees, 9 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Belmont Abbey 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), Belmont Abbey College has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 2 of its academic programs, by the Commission on Collegiate 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 Belmont Abbey College was $19,500 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $17,624. A total of 341 degrees were completed at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont Abbey College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$19,500
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$17,624
Completions By Degree
341
Est. Online Degree Availability
48%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Converse University. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1912. The latest accreditation action concerning Converse University occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Converse University from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Converse University are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 0 associate degrees, 161 bachelor's degrees, 44 master's degrees and 19 doctoral degrees were completed at Converse University.
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), Converse University has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 1 of its academic programs, by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher 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 Converse University was $23,096 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $8,000. A total of 224 degrees were completed at Converse University in Converse University.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$23,096
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$8,000
Completions By Degree
224
Est. Online Degree Availability
2%
Completions by Program Area
Accredited 4-Year Public Colleges & Universities Near Shelby, North Carolina
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for University of South Carolina-Upstate. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1976. The latest accreditation action concerning University of South Carolina-Upstate occurred in 2026 and was Grant Substantive Change: Degree. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for University of South Carolina-Upstate from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend University of South Carolina-Upstate are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 0 associate degrees, 1,022 bachelor's degrees, 241 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at University of South Carolina-Upstate.
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 of South Carolina-Upstate has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 3 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher 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 University of South Carolina-Upstate was $11,583 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $14,109. A total of 1,263 degrees were completed at University of South Carolina-Upstate in University of South Carolina-Upstate.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$11,583
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$14,109
Completions By Degree
1,263
Est. Online Degree Availability
46%
Completions by Program Area
Accredited 2-Year Public Schools Offering Near Shelby, North Carolina Including Community Colleges
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Isothermal Community College. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1970. The latest accreditation action concerning Isothermal Community College occurred in 2026 and was Grant Substantive Change: Other. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Isothermal Community College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Isothermal Community College are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 362 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Isothermal Community College.
Has satisfactorily addressed all compliance concerns from previous actions
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at Isothermal Community College was $2,030 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 362 degrees were completed at Isothermal Community College in Isothermal Community College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$2,030
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$0
Completions By Degree
362
Est. Online Degree Availability
16%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Western Piedmont Community College. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1968. The latest accreditation action concerning Western Piedmont Community College occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Western Piedmont Community College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Western Piedmont Community College are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 319 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Western Piedmont 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), Western Piedmont Community College has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 2 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 and the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation. 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 Western Piedmont Community College was $2,650 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 319 degrees were completed at Western Piedmont Community College in Western Piedmont Community College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$2,650
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$0
Completions By Degree
319
Est. Online Degree Availability
7%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Gaston College. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1967. The latest accreditation action concerning Gaston College occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Gaston College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Gaston College are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 816 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Gaston 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), Gaston College has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 2 of its academic programs, by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. 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 Gaston College was $3,186 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 816 degrees were completed at Gaston College in Gaston College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$3,186
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$0
Completions By Degree
816
Est. Online Degree Availability
68%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Cleveland Community College. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1975. The latest accreditation action concerning Cleveland Community College occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Cleveland Community College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Cleveland Community College are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 503 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Cleveland 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), Cleveland Community College has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 3 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 and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. 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 Cleveland Community College was $2,602 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 503 degrees were completed at Cleveland Community College in Cleveland Community College.