US News and World Report published its first ever Top Online Education Programs rankings and Pace University was given a top spot.
“Online course enrollment in the United States hit an all-time high in 2010 with more than 6.1 million students, and the trend shows no signs of leveling off, according to a 2011 report by the Babson Survey Research Group,” wrote Kelsey Sheehy of US News. “Enrollment in online classes doubled between 2007 and 2011, driven largely by a stagnant economy and competitive job market, but also by robust online offerings from established public and private institutions, according to the report. At more than 2,500 colleges and universities surveyed, 65 percent of administrators say that online learning is a vital piece of their institution’s long-term strategy. Recognizing the growing importance of online education in the college experience, and the unique formula necessary to make online degree programs successful, U.S. News is releasing its first Top Online Education Programs rankings.”
The rankings were divided into three categories: faculty credentials and training, student services and technology, and student engagement and assessment.
“The top performers in online bachelor’s degree programs include Pace University in New York and the University of Florida,” US News reported on its website. “Pace University, a private institution, has been offering online bachelor’s degree courses since 2004. All of the classes are recorded and accessible online, so students can access lecture material at their own convenience.”
Pace made the rankings honor roll for Top Online Bachelor’s Programs, placing fourth in faculty credentials and training, thirty-third in student services and technology, and tenth in student engagement and assessment.
The New York Daily News took up the story highlighting Pace’s high ranking.
“At these schools the classrooms are virtual, but the education is still top-notch. New York’s Pace University made the first-ever honor roll,” wrote Rachel Monahan in her article on the journal’s website. “The average student enrolled in the Pace online program is 37, and the students, who generally work full-time, come from all across the country.”
“This makes clear what we’ve known for years,” said assistant professor at the Seidenberg School of Computer Sciences Information Systems and co-director of the online program, Dr. Nancy Hale, in a press release. “A student can expect to receive a top-notch, high-quality, online education at Pace.”
Hale also told the Daily News, “We are very excited. It’s a uniquely designed program.”
In addition to its online bachelor’s degree program, Pace offers online graduate degrees in both computer information technology and nursing.