U.S. News & World Report Ranks 2016 Best Online Programs

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2016  — U.S. News & World Report today released the 2016 Best Online Programs to help the millions of domestic and international students interested in online education compare the academic quality of more than 1,200 U.S.-based distance degree programs. For the first time, Florida’s Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University—Worldwide tops the list of Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, tied with Pennsylvania State University—World Campus. Temple University remains the No. 1 Best Online MBA Program, and Indiana University—Bloomington again places first on the Best Online Graduate Business Programs list, which excludes MBAs.

In addition to bachelor’s programs, the 2016 Best Online Programs includes comprehensive ratings of seven disciplines at the master’s level, such as criminal justice and education. South Carolina universities make a strong showing in nursing with the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina coming in at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. For students interested in the science, technology, engineering and math fields, known as STEM, California schools rank at the top with the University of California—Los Angeles taking the lead for engineering and the University of Southern California at No. 1 in computer information technology.

Now in its fifth year, the U.S. News Best Online Programs are a resource for students and working adults who are increasingly seeking online education programs for degree completion and career advancement. Prospective students can use the searchable directory to explore factors such as tuition, program offerings and online services offered to enrolled students.

“Online learning is becoming an integral part of higher education, and consumers are hungry for information related to legitimate online degrees,” said Anita Narayan, managing editor of Education at U.S. News. “The Best Online Programs rankings can help prospective students begin their search for a program that suits both their academic and career goals, as well as their work and family schedules.”

The 2016 Best Online Programs methodologies are based on a number of factors, including student engagement, faculty credentials and student services and technology. Only degree-granting programs at regionally accredited institutions that are offered predominantly online were considered.

For more information on the Best Online Programs rankings, visit US News & World Report online  or go to Facebook and Twitter.

 

2016 U.S. News Best Online Programs

*For the full list of rankings, visit www.usnews.com/online

Bachelor’s Programs              

1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University—Worldwide (FL)              

1. Pennsylvania State University—World Campus                 

3. Western Kentucky University

Graduate Programs

MBA                         

Business, non-MBA

1. Temple University (PA)

1. Indiana University—Bloomington

2. Indiana University—Bloomington 

2. University of Connecticut

3. University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill 

3. Arizona State University

Computer Information Technology         

Criminal Justice

1. University of Southern California               

1. Boston University

2. Virginia Tech                                           

2. Arizona State University

3. Boston University                                     

3. Sam Houston State University (TX)

Education                                                   

Engineering

1. University of Florida                                    

1. University of California—Los Angeles

1. University of Houston                                   

2. University of Southern California

3. Florida State University                                 

3. Columbia University (NY)

3. University of Georgia

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