All About Online University Rankings
Although a lack of transparency in the past often prevented online colleges from reaching their full potential, online courses and degrees have grown to include some of the most prestigious colleges in the nation. If you wondered how the growth of reputable online education has occurred, you might look to college rankings. Although many have disparaged college rankings because they claim the rankings are biased, the research involved in the more reputable rankings has pushed colleges to increase transparency and to offer more and better services in many cases.
Differing Research Methodologies
Rankings vary by research methodology, as some rankings depend upon college resources while others focus on college students’ observations and reactions. The former method allows readers to learn more about a college through its admission rates, retention rates and graduation rates. Those rankings also point to financial aid possibilities, student-faculty ratios, accreditation and more.
Professional reviews, such as those contributed yearly by U.S. News and World Report or the Princeton Review, offer information about colleges by location, status, academic specialties and more. They even break down colleges by most students in sororities or fraternities, most merit aid and transfer students. Studies such as these can help you learn more about a school before ever setting foot on campus.
Student-Rated Ranking Systems
Student-rated rankings often cover more biased information that is influenced by the students’ experiences. You can learn more about the best beer-drinking schools or the toughest school standards through this route; however, you cannot be assured that the students think the same as you. Your opinion of a school might be entirely different after your enrollment and class attendance.
Rankings for Online Universities
But, what about online courses and programs? How do you find rankings for schools that serve up their degrees online? One source that can help includes Online Education Database (OEDb). This resource provides information about online schools and their programs from across the country.
Online university rankings can provide you with information about a school that you may not learn otherwise. Use a number of rankings to compare results and to discover as much as possible about the schools you may want to attend. These rankings, more than any other resource, may help you make the best decision of your life.
Top Online Universities
According to our user selection data, the universities listed below are those in which prospective students are most interested. You can click on each college's logo to request more information from that particular school.
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Kaplan University – Kaplan University is one of the largest accredited online colleges, with degree programs available in a wide range of subject fields. Enjoy a vast library of resources, dedicated advisors, and innovative learning techniques through Kaplan’s online programs. |
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University of Phoenix – Now the largest private university in North America, the University of Phoenix maintains over 200 convenient campus locations as well as one of the leading online learning formats to serve students anywhere at any time. The University of Phoenix degree programs are designed in collaboration with academic and industry professionals to ensure quality, relevance and rigor. |
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Ivy Bridge College – Ivy Bridge College offers online associate’s degree programs in accounting, business, computer technology, healthcare administration, criminal justice and general studies. The programs provide the flexibility and convenience of online learning while offering unparalleled mentoring and student support. For students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree, Ivy Bridge provides streamlined admission to some of the best four-year colleges in the U.S. |
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Post University – Now dubbed the largest provider of online higher education in the state of Connecticut, Post University has been offering accredited, accelerated online degree programs for nearly 15 years. Post’s online programs are thriving today thanks to an effort to providing the detail of in-person learning to students needing the convenience and flexibility of online education. |
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Walden University – Founded in 1971 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Walden University’s motto states their mission: "A higher degree. A higher purpose." The coursework offered at this university is designed with working adults in mind. Those who previously may not have had the time to attend class can now earn a degree online from Walden in convenient and affordable style. |
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