UIU online undergraduate programs nationally ranked

The online undergraduate programs at Upper Iowa University have been ranked for the fourth consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News published “2016 Best Online Programs” on its website January 12.

The UIU online bachelor’s programs are ranked in the top half of online bachelor degree programs nationwide.

To determine the 2016 rankings, the publication evaluated the results for 300 schools with online bachelor’s degree programs. The schools were evaluated on their scores for student engagement, faculty credentials and training, student services and technology and peer reputation.

“UIU is honored that our online programs continue to be recognized among these rankings,” said UIU President William R. Duffy II. “On behalf of the board and administration, I would like to express our appreciation to the faculty and staff who make such recognition possible through their work each day. UIU has been providing online education for more than 15 years and has graduated thousands of students from our program who have become successful in their careers – and that is the true test of any academic program.”

UIU Provost Dr. Kurt Wood added that the University ensures consistent academic quality whether classes are taught on campus, at the UIU centers, online or through its self-paced degree program.  “Our teaching modalities are virtually interchangeable,” Wood said. “We hold ourselves to the same high quality academic standards not only to meet the mandates of our accrediting bodies, but also to fulfill our commitment to excellence for all our students across the entire university.”

Online education is an important resource for undergraduate students who are either first-time college students or returning to earn their bachelor’s degree, said Kathy Franken, vice president for enrollment management. “We find more and more undergraduate students turning to the convenience and cost-effectiveness of online classes as part of their degree plan. Some undergraduate students will complete all their coursework online, and others will combine online classes with a more traditional face-to-face experience. In fact, more than 50 percent of UIU students, take at least one course online during the academic year.”

“In our experience, online education is a proven way to meet the needs of today’s students, especially the adult learner who may be trying to balance earning a degree with working full time and raising a family,” Franken added. “Online programs allow students to fit education into their lives and, in many cases, offer the only opportunity for students to reach their educational goals.”

Information about the UIU online programs is available at www.uiu.edu. Details of the U.S. News rankings and the survey methodology are www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors.