By Joe Garvey
U.S News & World Report has once again given national recognition to Old ֱ University, this time in the publication's 2022 Best Online Programs rankings, which were released Jan. 25.
Five ODU distance-learning programs were named among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The online bachelor's degree program and bachelor's degree programs in business ranked among the top 21% in the nation. ODU's master's in education programs moved up 15 spots over its 2021 ranking to No. 93 out of 337 institutions in that category. ODU's master's in nursing and MBA programs also merited "Best" status.
The online rankings include public and private colleges and universities with degree-granting programs. Categories include bachelor's programs and graduate programs in business, information technology, criminal justice, education, engineering and nursing.
Old ֱ, a leader in distance learning for over 35 years, offers more than 120 online programs, the most of any state school in Virginia, and earned a 96% satisfaction rate in a survey of the University's online students.
"Our longtime success is due to many factors, not the least of which are our talented and dedicated faculty, the support we've received from the administration and our amazing students," said Andy Casiello, associate vice president for distance learning.
ODU's rankings for programs that placed among the nation's best are:
- No. 80 (tie) Best Online Bachelor's Programs (out of 384)
- No. 40 (tie) Best Online Bachelor's Programs in Business (out of 228)
- No. 93 (tie) Best Online Master's in Education Programs (out of 337)
- No. 63 (tie) Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs (out of 194)
- No. 115 (tie) Best Online MBA Programs (out of 358)
Additionally, seven other ODU online programs were nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report: master's programs in computer information technology, engineering, nursing programs for veterans and education for veterans; bachelor's programs for veterans and in psychology; and MBA programs for veterans.
As universities across the nation have pivoted to add more distance learning during the pandemic, ODU has benefitted from its decades-long investment in online programs.
"For many years, Old ֱ University's trailblazing distance-learning programs have been critically important in addressing the varied needs of our student population," said Austin Agho, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "Our efforts became even more important over the past two years as our students navigated the pandemic. As a university, we have adapted to ensure that we provide an excellent online learning experience during these trying times and will continue to build on the lessons we have learned going forward."
U.S. News & World Report assessed schools based on criteria such as student engagement, student services and technology, admissions selectivity, faculty credentials and training, and peer reputation.
In September 2021, U.S. News & World Report ranked ODU in the top tier of nearly 1,500 higher education institutions evaluated. For the third year, the University was ranked as a top performer on social mobility, which measures an institution's success in graduating underserved students and those from ֱally disadvantaged backgrounds.
To see the full online program rankings, go to the .
