By Nick Prevenas,University CommunicationsJan. 25, 2022
arizona-online.jpg
Arizona Online has strengthened its reputation as one of the nation's top providers of online education in the 2022 Best Online Bachelor's Programs rankings by U.S. News & World Report, released Tuesday.
All Rankings_1920x1080.jpg
In its seventh year of operation and sixth year of rankings eligibility, Arizona Online scored its second consecutive top-10 finish among the best online bachelor's degree programs, ranking tied for No. 7 out of 361 ranked programs overall and tied for No. 5 among public universities. Arizona Online's overall score of 95 out of a possible 100 is the university's best score to date in these rankings.
Arizona Online also earned a No. 4 ranking overall (No. 3 among public universities) for its bachelor's program offerings for veterans, a one-spot jump from last year and a four-position increase from 2020.
"The University of Arizona strives to provide top-notch educational opportunities for all students throughout the world," said University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins. "Our consistently excellent performance in these rankings confirms our place among the nation's best online education providers and exemplifies our longstanding commitment to educational flexibility and accessibility."
The Eller College of Management's MBA program, offered through Arizona Online, rose three spots in the rankings, tying for No. 7 overall and tying for No. 6 among public universities. Arizona Online ranked No. 5 overall in the best online MBA programs for veterans and tied for No. 8 overall in business. Arizona Online also scored strong marks in the business subspecialties of business analytics (tied for No. 6), marketing (tied for No. 10), general management (tied for No. 11) and finance (tied for No. 15).
Arizona Online's information technology graduate programs – which include information systems, computer science, computer engineering and software engineering – tied for No. 5 overall and were ranked No. 2 among public universities and No. 2 for veterans. These programs are offered through the Eller College of Management, the College of Science and the College of Engineering.
The following Arizona Online programs also performed well:
"It is incredible to witness the growth of Arizona Online over these last seven years," said Liesl Folks, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. "Our top priority is to provide all of our students with quality education and keep the building of meaningful relationships with our students at the forefront of the Arizona Online experience."
In fall 2021, Arizona Online enrolled more than 7,300 students in undergraduate and graduate programs – an increase of more than 1,000 students from the previous year. Many Arizona Online students are adults who work full time, parents who seek the flexibility of online courses or active military personnel who require the ability to study from wherever they are stationed or deployed.
According to a June 2020 survey of Arizona Online students, 93% of students would recommend Arizona Online to others.
"We are delighted to be recognized once again by U.S. News & World Report as a leader and an innovator in providing high-quality online learning experiences to our students," said Craig Wilson, vice provost for online, distance and continuing education. "Our sustained presence in these rankings is a testament to our talented and hard-working students and faculty. I am proud of the Arizona Online team that consistently embraces challenges associated with providing our students a solid education in a world environment that is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous."
U.S. News & World Report ranks programs based on student engagement, student services and technology, faculty credentials and training, and expert opinion.
