In its annual rankings of online programs, U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) rated two online programs offered by Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business No. 1 in the nation. In the same report, IU Online bachelor’s degree programs rose to the top 20.
In the Best Online Education Program rankings, the Kelley Direct online MBA program and Kelley’s non-MBA online graduate business program held the No 1 spot. IU Online’s bachelor’s degree programs were ranked 20th, up 19 spots from 41st place in 2018. In the Big Ten, The Ohio State University–Columbus, Penn State World Campus, and IU Online captured the top three ratings for bachelor’s degrees. The 2019 results represent 367 institutions, or 21 more than took part in 2018.
Other programs that climbed in the rankings include online graduate programs in the School of Nursing at IUPUI, ranked 23rd, and the IU School of Education, ranked 45th.
For more than 20 years, IU has been a standout in online education. The university enrolled more than 30,000 students in some 2,000 online courses in 2018, representing nearly one-third of IU’s student body, an increase of close to 5 percent over 2017.
“Behind the success of IU Online,” said Executive Vice President for University Academic Affairs John Applegate, “is the authenticity, integrity, rigor, and innovation that have long been the hallmark of an IU education. Our pioneering approach to developing programs and tools that evolve with the needs of new generations of learners ensures our graduates are prepared to navigate an evermore complex world.”
Chris Foley, associate vice president and director of the IU Office of Online Education, said, “IU Online is pleased to be recognized for providing an interactive, engaging, and supportive experience that is authentically IU. IU Online is a community of inspiration, motivation, and innovation.”
USNWR arrived at its 2019 online rankings by assessing programs in four categories that mirror the on-campus experience and that students are likely to consider when choosing an online program: 1) best practices, class size, student learning and satisfaction, and retention and graduation; 2) student support services, indebtedness, and technology for learning; 3) degreed/tenured faculty and preparedness to teach distance learners; and 4) the institution’s reputation among peers and employers.
A complete list of IU's online programs is available on the IU Online website.