Yes, an online university has the ability to lose its accreditation if it neglects to follow specific guidelines. Accredited universities are responsible for maintaining certain academic standards, and are generally reviewed every ten years or so to ensure continued compliance.

While unlikely that an accredited school would lose its accreditation, if it violates or neglects to follow any guidelines, then the accrediting body could retract that school’s accreditation. Students should inquire for how long their schools have been accredited, and when their next accreditation check is.