The Â鶹ҹÊÐ has once again been recognized for the strength of its online degree programs in .
The University's No. 89 ranking in the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs category places it in the top 26% of institutions scored across the country and the highest in the state for the 10th consecutive year.
U.S. News & World Report released its annual rankings earlier this week. The rankings are based on survey data that evaluate factors such as student engagement, faculty credentials and services and technologies.
Dr. Claire Arabie, director of Â鶹ҹÊÐ Online, said the need for online undergraduate opportunities remains high as state leaders seek to , especially among adults ages 25-49.
"The University has offered online degree programs for more than 20 years, and our core goal has always been educational access," said Arabie. "The average age of our online students is 32. They’re caregivers. They have full-time jobs. They need a pathway that looks different from a recent high school graduate enrolling for the first time."
The University offers 24 online programs — nine bachelor’s degree programs, 10 graduate degree programs and five certificate programs.
From Fall 2024 to Fall 2025, online undergraduate enrollment at Â鶹ҹÊÐ grew 13%, while online graduate enrollment increased by 5%. Total enrollment in online degree programs comprised 15% of the University’s total enrollment during the Fall semester.
Online degree programs deliver the same curriculum as on-campus programs through an online portal students can access at any time of the day, with both 16-week and eight-week terms available.
"Online students complete the same number of credit hours and meet the same requirements to earn their degree," said Arabie. "When they graduate, they’re able to walk proudly with their peers across the commencement stage."
Dr. Bobbie DeCuir, dean of University College, said her college introduced the online Bachelor of General Studies almost 10 years ago to support students interested in completing their bachelor’s degree by using credits previously earned at Â鶹ҹÊÐ or other institutions.
"Our advisors work closely with online students to help them make the most of their existing credits and to identify courses that align with their goals. We get to know them; we get to know their stories," she said. "They go from being unsure how to complete their degree to accessing a whole new caliber of opportunities."
University College alumna JoElle Judice completed her degree in 2025 and was recently selected for . She said online coursework allowed her to complete her bachelor’s degree alongside other demands, including two young children and a full-time job in the hospitality industry.
"The ability to do everything fully online was huge for me. I wouldn't have been able to finish if it weren't for that," Judice said. "Going back, you think, 'I don't even know where to start,' but the support is there. Returning as an online student, it was pleasantly surprising how much your professors want you to succeed, and how much they're willing to help you."
In addition to its ranking for Best Online Bachelor's Programs, the University ranked in the top 50% or higher nationally in four other categories: Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs, No. 111; Best Online Master’s in Business Programs, No. 30; Best Online Master’s in Education Programs, No. 76; and Best Online MBA Program, No. 127.
Learn more about online degree program offerings through the Â鶹ҹÊÐ Online website.
Photo caption: JoElle Judice is a 2025 University College alumna. Photo credit: Rachel Rafati / Courtesy of Â鶹ҹÊÐ Online