2026 Guide to Accredited Colleges Near Lafayette, Tennessee
Are you near Lafayette, Tennessee 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 Lafayette, Tennessee, 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 Lafayette, Tennessee, 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 Lafayette, Tennessee
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
Welch College has two institutional accreditors, the Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, and has been accredited since 1958 and 1996, respectively. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Welch College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Welch College are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 7 associate degrees, 73 bachelor's degrees, 11 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Welch College.
Is in compliance with all of the agency's accreditation standards
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 Welch College was $20,796 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $8,100. A total of 91 degrees were completed at Welch College in Welch College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$20,796
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$8,100
Completions By Degree
91
Est. Online Degree Availability
57%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Cumberland University. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1962. The latest accreditation action concerning Cumberland University occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Cumberland University from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Cumberland University are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 236 associate degrees, 302 bachelor's degrees, 131 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Cumberland 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), Cumberland University 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 Cumberland University was $27,840 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $8,280. A total of 669 degrees were completed at Cumberland University in Cumberland University.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$27,840
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$8,280
Completions By Degree
669
Est. Online Degree Availability
28%
Completions by Program Area
Accredited 4-Year Public Colleges & Universities Near Lafayette, Tennessee
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Tennessee Technological University. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1939. The latest accreditation action concerning Tennessee Technological University occurred in 2026 and was Removal of Monitoring Status. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Tennessee Technological University from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Tennessee Technological University are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 0 associate degrees, 1,834 bachelor's degrees, 471 master's degrees and 44 doctoral degrees were completed at Tennessee Technological 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), Tennessee Technological University has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 5 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, 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 Tennessee Technological University was $10,084 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $11,800. A total of 2,349 degrees were completed at Tennessee Technological University in Tennessee Technological University.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$10,084
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$11,800
Completions By Degree
2,349
Est. Online Degree Availability
18%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Western Kentucky University. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1926. The latest accreditation action concerning Western Kentucky University occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Western Kentucky University from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Western Kentucky University are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 170 associate degrees, 2,920 bachelor's degrees, 715 master's degrees and 52 doctoral degrees were completed at Western Kentucky 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), Western Kentucky University has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 11 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation, the American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council on Education for Public Health, 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 Western Kentucky University was $11,436 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $12,140. A total of 3,857 degrees were completed at Western Kentucky University in Western Kentucky University.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$11,436
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$12,140
Completions By Degree
3,857
Est. Online Degree Availability
39%
Completions by Program Area
Accredited 2-Year & Other Private For-Profit Colleges & Universities Near Lafayette, Tennessee
Institutional Accreditation
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Fortis Institute-Cookeville. The institution has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges since 2018. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Fortis Institute-Cookeville from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Fortis Institute-Cookeville are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and no programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 67 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Fortis Institute-Cookeville.
Programmatic Accreditation
According to data from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), Fortis Institute-Cookeville has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 1 of its academic programs, by 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 Fortis Institute-Cookeville was $14,644 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 67 degrees were completed at Fortis Institute-Cookeville in Fortis Institute-Cookeville.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$14,644
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$0
Completions By Degree
67
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Accredited 2-Year Public Schools Offering Near Lafayette, Tennessee Including Community Colleges
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Volunteer State Community College. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1973. The latest accreditation action concerning Volunteer State Community College occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Volunteer State Community College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Volunteer State Community College are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 1,041 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Volunteer State 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), Volunteer State Community College 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 Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation, 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 Volunteer State Community College was $4,524 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 1,041 degrees were completed at Volunteer State Community College in Volunteer State Community College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$4,524
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$0
Completions By Degree
1,041
Est. Online Degree Availability
78%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 2009. The latest accreditation action concerning Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 641 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical 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), Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 1 of its academic programs, by 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 Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College was $4,656 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 641 degrees were completed at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College in Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College.