2026 Guide to Accredited Colleges Near Harrisonburg, Virginia
Are you near Harrisonburg, Virginia 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 Harrisonburg, Virginia, 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 Harrisonburg, Virginia, 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 Harrisonburg, Virginia
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 Mary Baldwin University. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1931. The latest accreditation action concerning Mary Baldwin University occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Mary Baldwin University from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Mary Baldwin University are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 0 associate degrees, 289 bachelor's degrees, 203 master's degrees and 57 doctoral degrees were completed at Mary Baldwin 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), Mary Baldwin University has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 4 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, 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 Mary Baldwin University was $33,157 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $13,170. A total of 549 degrees were completed at Mary Baldwin University in Mary Baldwin University.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$33,157
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$13,170
Completions By Degree
549
Est. Online Degree Availability
60%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Bridgewater College. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1925. The latest accreditation action concerning Bridgewater College occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Bridgewater College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Bridgewater College are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 0 associate degrees, 291 bachelor's degrees, 34 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Bridgewater 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 Bridgewater College was $41,350 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $19,516. A total of 325 degrees were completed at Bridgewater College in Bridgewater College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$41,350
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$19,516
Completions By Degree
325
Est. Online Degree Availability
6%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Eastern Mennonite University. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1959. The latest accreditation action concerning Eastern Mennonite University occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Eastern Mennonite University from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Eastern Mennonite University are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 1 associate degree, 227 bachelor's degrees, 84 master's degrees and 1 doctoral degree were completed at Eastern Mennonite 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), Eastern Mennonite University has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 5 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools, 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 Eastern Mennonite University was $41,860 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $15,500. A total of 313 degrees were completed at Eastern Mennonite University in Eastern Mennonite University.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$41,860
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$15,500
Completions By Degree
313
Est. Online Degree Availability
20%
Completions by Program Area
Accredited 4-Year Public Colleges & Universities Near Harrisonburg, Virginia
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for James Madison University. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1927. The latest accreditation action concerning James Madison University occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for James Madison University from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend James Madison University are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 0 associate degrees, 4,836 bachelor's degrees, 598 master's degrees and 53 doctoral degrees were completed at James Madison 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), James Madison University has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 10 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 Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, 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 James Madison University was $13,576 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $13,080. A total of 5,487 degrees were completed at James Madison University in James Madison University.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$13,576
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$13,080
Completions By Degree
5,487
Est. Online Degree Availability
14%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for University of Virginia-Main Campus. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1904. The latest accreditation action concerning University of Virginia-Main Campus occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for University of Virginia-Main Campus from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend University of Virginia-Main Campus are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 0 associate degrees, 5,144 bachelor's degrees, 2,314 master's degrees and 855 doctoral degrees were completed at University of Virginia-Main Campus.
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 Virginia-Main Campus has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 14 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Bar Association, Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation, the American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation, 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, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, 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 of Virginia-Main Campus was $22,323 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $22,612. A total of 8,313 degrees were completed at University of Virginia-Main Campus in University of Virginia-Main Campus.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$22,323
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$22,612
Completions By Degree
8,313
Est. Online Degree Availability
8%
Completions by Program Area
Accredited 2-Year Public Schools Offering Near Harrisonburg, Virginia Including Community Colleges
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Piedmont Virginia Community College. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1974. The latest accreditation action concerning Piedmont Virginia Community College occurred in 2026 and was Removal of Monitoring Status. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Piedmont Virginia Community College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Piedmont Virginia Community College are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 518 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Piedmont Virginia 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), Piedmont Virginia 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 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 Piedmont Virginia Community College was $4,928 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 518 degrees were completed at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Piedmont Virginia Community College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$4,928
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$0
Completions By Degree
518
Est. Online Degree Availability
15%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is the institutional accreditor for Blue Ridge Community College. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1969. The latest accreditation action concerning Blue Ridge Community College occurred in 2026 and was Grant Substantive Change: Other. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Blue Ridge Community College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Blue Ridge Community College are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 504 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Blue Ridge 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), Blue Ridge Community College has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 1 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 Blue Ridge Community College was $5,502 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 504 degrees were completed at Blue Ridge Community College in Blue Ridge Community College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$5,502
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$0
Completions By Degree
504
Est. Online Degree Availability
6%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 2008. The latest accreditation action concerning Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College are of traditional age and all 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 Eastern West Virginia 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), Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 1 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 Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College was $4,288 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 67 degrees were completed at Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College in Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$4,288
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$0
Completions By Degree
67
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 Laurel Ridge Community College. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1972. The latest accreditation action concerning Laurel Ridge Community College occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Laurel Ridge Community College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Laurel Ridge Community College are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 728 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Laurel Ridge 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), Laurel Ridge Community College has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 1 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 Laurel Ridge Community College was $4,928 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 728 degrees were completed at Laurel Ridge Community College in Laurel Ridge Community College.