This month, U.S. News & World Report released its second annual education ranking of the best online programs. More than 860 programs were evaluated, including both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, in the following disciplines: business, engineering, nursing, education and information technology.

So, what schools came out on top? The graph shows the top five online bachelor’s, graduate business and graduate information technology (IT) schools ranked by their overall score. How did these schools receive such high marks? To rank these programs, U.S. News & World Report sent out surveys to participants who offered 100% online degree alternatives. The surveys collected data from three different categories across 16 areas, and each area was given weighted value based on their perceived priorities.

The three categories and example areas are defined below:

  • Student engagement – A quality program allows ease of interaction among students and instructors. Further, it has the educational structure necessary for degree completion. Some example areas include class size, retention and graduation rate.
  • Faculty credentials and training – Skilled faculty and program reputation go hand in hand. Faculty should be trained to effectively instruct distance learners. Example areas are the number of tenured faculty, PhD faculty and hours of faculty training.
  • Student services and technology – A program that excels has the right tools to enhance the distance learning experience and make distance learning possible. Further, student services such as career guidance, academic counseling and financial aid should be in place. Areas focus on the technology and services available to students.

Graduate programs were ranked with consideration to one additional factor: peer assessments. These assessments were requested from school deans and the industry’s top academics responsible for online degree programs. The survey was based on the reputation and the perceived academic quality of the various schools listed within the survey.

Using all the data, an overall score was given to each school, and the schools were ranked accordingly. Only the top 75% of schools were given a numerical score and ranking. The other remaining schools are denoted as “Rank not Published” or “Unranked.”

Distance learning is an excellent option for prospective students needing more flexibility, especially for those needing to work and unable to relocate. However, with the rise of these programs, students need to make choices more carefully, weighing all the factors. Education ranking is a great tool to use, but it should not be the sole consideration. A good online education program is reputable, accommodating, accredited and staffed with talented faculty.

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