What does the recognition from U.S. News & World Report mean for students?
When you graduate from Oregon State University, your diploma won’t say anything about OSU being ranked in the top 10 for online education by U.S. News & World Report year after year.
So why do we make such a big deal about it? And what does the ranking even mean?
These are good and valid questions. Pursuing rankings is never a priority for us at Oregon State. Our main concerns are:
1. supporting students on their way to graduation
2. helping equip OSU faculty with the tools needed to teach effectively online.
The reason we celebrate our high rankings from U.S. News is because they signify that we are succeeding in both of these priority areas.
In the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs list for 2024, Oregon State ranks No. 4 overall. Four factors go into that ranking.
Faculty credentials and training
Oregon State consistently ranks among the nation’s best in terms of faculty credentials and training. More to the point, this category evaluates the expertise of the faculty who teach online. All of OSU’s online bachelor’s programs are developed and taught by the same faculty who teach on campus.
And it recognizes universities who can effectively train and prepare faculty to teach online. That is one of our core strengths. Our faculty development program has won national awards for excellence, and the Oregon State instructors who teach courses online are the best at what they do.
Peer assessment
Oregon State also ranks highly in the peer assessment category, which means that other colleges and universities consider OSU to be one of the country’s best providers of online education. It also indicates that employers may value degrees that are earned from programs that academic experts respect.
Engagement
In the engagement category, U.S. News examines how well programs promote participation in online courses among students and faculty. Oregon State online bachelor’s programs feature innovative solutions that make it possible for students to have collaborative learning experiences no matter where you live.
Student services and technologies
The services and technologies category evaluates how programs incorporate diverse online learning technologies, as well as support systems related to learning, career guidance and financial aid resources.
We’re proud that Oregon State is recognized as a model for excellence in online education. But here’s the thing about having a prestigious national reputation: Once you earn it, you have to prove every day that you deserve it.
To your students. To your colleagues. To everyone.
And so back to work we go. Because actions speak louder than awards.
Make your next move and learn more about the online bachelor’s programs and online courses delivered by Oregon State University.
