21 of Top 25 Ranked Institutions are UPCEA Members

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 10, 2022) — UPCEA, the association for college and university leaders in online and professional continuing education, is pleased to congratulate the many UPCEA members recognized in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings.

U.S. News rankings include more than 1,700 online programs, covering bachelor’s and graduate programs across a variety of fields. The U.S. News rankings focus on programs designed to be completely online, excluding schools and programs that are temporarily remote due to the pandemic. Using information provided by participating institutions, the ranking methodologies include factors such as student services and technology, student engagement, and faculty credentials and training.

“The U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings for online programs serves as a good reminder that UPCEA members continue to innovate and provide incredible online experiences for faculty and students regardless of conditions,” said Julie Uranis, Senior Vice President of Online and Strategic Initiatives for UPCEA. “The last two years have been difficult as many online leaders have been charged with supporting the academic continuity of their institutions with no additional resources. Our members are not only leading successful online enterprises and creating quality programs, but they are doing great things in support of their institutions through the most challenging of circumstances!” 

“We’re proud that Oregon State’s distance students have access to the same rigorous degree programs and can learn online from the same expert faculty as OSU’s on-campus students,” said Oregon State Ecampus Associate Provost Lisa L. Templeton. “Broad access to high-quality online learning opportunities is important now more than ever. We’re pleased to share this national recognition with the entire Oregon State community, and we’re honored to join many of our respected peer institutions on this list.”

 

Twenty-one of the top 25 ranked institutions are members of UPCEA:

1 – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Worldwide

1 – University of Florida

5 – Oregon State University

6 – Arizona State University 

7 – Ohio State University

7 – University of Arizona

7 – University of Central Florida

10 – CUNY School of Professional Studies

10 – North Carolina State University 

10 – University of North Carolina Charlotte

14 – George Washington University

14 – Utah State University

16 – Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

16 – University of Georgia

16 – University of Oklahoma

19 – Creighton University 

19 – Loyola University Chicago

19 – University of Massachusetts Amherst

19 – Washington State University

24 – University of Arkansas

24 – West Texas A&M University

 

“Our online programs extend Ohio State’s academic excellence to students in Ohio and beyond, uplifting the university’s commitment to access and affordability while supporting current and future workforce needs,” said The Ohio State University’s Associate Vice President for Distance Education Robert Griffiths. “We’re proud our efforts have again been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report rankings and by our peers across the country.”

“The University of Arkansas continues to grow and enhance online programs to expand educational access in our rural state and beyond,” said Cheryl Murphy, Vice Provost for Distance Education at the University of Arkansas. “Higher education transforms lives, and online programs are the only option for some students. Through a growing list of online degrees and enhanced student support, we extend the reach of our nationally recognized faculty and provide learners everywhere access to high-quality education. That’s why we are proud that the U.S. News & World Report has ranked our programs among the best in the nation. It is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff who are committed to our students’ success.”

Congratulations to all of the UPCEA members recognized in this year’s rankings! 

“UPCEA member institutions are constantly growing and innovating to best serve today’s students,” said Bob Hansen, CEO of UPCEA. “I’m pleased to see U.S. News & World Report recognizing the incredible efforts of so many of our members in this year’s rankings.”