2026 Guide to Accredited Colleges Near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Are you near Hilton Head Island, South 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 Hilton Head Island, South 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 Hilton Head Island, South 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 Hilton Head Island, South 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 Savannah College of Art and Design. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 2005. The latest accreditation action concerning Savannah College of Art and Design occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Savannah College of Art and Design from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Savannah College of Art and Design are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 0 associate degrees, 2,635 bachelor's degrees, 1,052 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Savannah College of Art and Design.
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 Savannah College of Art and Design was $40,595 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $41,585. A total of 3,687 degrees were completed at Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah College of Art and Design.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$40,595
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$41,585
Completions By Degree
3,687
Est. Online Degree Availability
48%
Completions by Program Area
Accredited 4-Year Private For-Profit Colleges & Universities Near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for South University-Savannah. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1985. The latest accreditation action concerning South University-Savannah occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for South University-Savannah from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend South University-Savannah are adults and minimal programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 12 associate degrees, 30 bachelor's degrees, 131 master's degrees and 70 doctoral degrees were completed at South University-Savannah.
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), South University-Savannah has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 5 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, the American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, and 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 South University-Savannah was $16,452 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $16,536. A total of 243 degrees were completed at South University-Savannah in South University-Savannah.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$16,452
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$16,536
Completions By Degree
243
Est. Online Degree Availability
22%
Completions by Program Area
Accredited 4-Year Public Colleges & Universities Near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for University of South Carolina Beaufort. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 2004. The latest accreditation action concerning University of South Carolina Beaufort occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for University of South Carolina Beaufort from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend University of South Carolina Beaufort are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 1 associate degree, 378 bachelor's degrees, 8 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at University of South Carolina Beaufort.
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 Beaufort 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 University of South Carolina Beaufort was $10,730 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $14,120. A total of 387 degrees were completed at University of South Carolina Beaufort in University of South Carolina Beaufort.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$10,730
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$14,120
Completions By Degree
387
Est. Online Degree Availability
49%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Savannah State University. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1951. The latest accreditation action concerning Savannah State University occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Savannah State University from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Savannah State University are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 53 associate degrees, 385 bachelor's degrees, 83 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Savannah State University.
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 Savannah State University was $5,498 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $6,120. A total of 521 degrees were completed at Savannah State University in Savannah State University.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$5,498
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$6,120
Completions By Degree
521
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Medical University of South Carolina. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1971. The latest accreditation action concerning Medical University of South Carolina occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Medical University of South Carolina from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Medical University of South Carolina are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 0 associate degrees, 167 bachelor's degrees, 373 master's degrees and 558 doctoral degrees were completed at Medical University of South Carolina.
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), Medical University of South Carolina has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 18 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation, the American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, the American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation, the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, the Council on Education for Public Health, and the Liaison Committee on Medical 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 Medical University of South Carolina was $16,972 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $17,574. A total of 1,098 degrees were completed at Medical University of South Carolina in Medical University of South Carolina.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$16,972
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$17,574
Completions By Degree
1,098
Est. Online Degree Availability
35%
Completions by Program Area
Accredited 2-Year Public Schools Offering Near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Including Community Colleges
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Savannah Technical College. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1991. The latest accreditation action concerning Savannah Technical College occurred in 2026 and was Heightened Monitoring or Focused Review. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Savannah Technical College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Savannah Technical College are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 269 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Savannah Technical College.
Additional oversight is required to ensure a resolution of compliance issues
Programmatic Accreditation
According to data from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), Savannah Technical College has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 2 of its academic programs, by 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 Savannah Technical College was $3,072 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 269 degrees were completed at Savannah Technical College in Savannah Technical College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$3,072
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$0
Completions By Degree
269
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 Technical College of the Lowcountry. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1978. The latest accreditation action concerning Technical College of the Lowcountry occurred in 2026 and was Grant Substantive Change: Other. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Technical College of the Lowcountry from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Technical College of the Lowcountry are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 207 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Technical College of the Lowcountry.
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), Technical College of the Lowcountry has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 4 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 Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 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 Technical College of the Lowcountry was $6,100 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 207 degrees were completed at Technical College of the Lowcountry in Technical College of the Lowcountry.