Welcome to Online University Rankings

Welcome to OnlineUniversityRankings.com, where you'll find information on how to choose the right online program for you based on rankings and other criteria. If you're considering attending an online university, you may be wondering whether the education you receive will be on the same level as what you'd get from a traditional college or university; this is precisely where online university rankings can help. Read on to find out more about how you can use online university rankings to choose the right school for you.

Why do online university rankings matter?

Although some critics discount rankings as biased, the truth is that online university rankings can give you some sense of what a school can offer you, particularly in terms of its reputation in the general public. The basis of rankings vary depending on who is calculating them, but some factors often considered in rankings research include the following:

  • Average GPA and SAT/ACT scores
  • Acceptance/retention/graduation rates
  • What fellow college administrators at other schools feel about the school in question
  • Student-faculty ratios
  • Faculty resources
  • Financial aid possibilities
  • Accreditation
  • Student/campus life issues
  • Student selectivity
  • Alumni giving and endowments

Some of those criteria may matter more or less to you depending on your educational and career goals, so be sure to pay attention to the methodology used in rankings when comparing online college programs.

How do I know which online university rankings are reliable?

The best way to look at online university rankings is to see as many different kinds as possible; when you see a lot of overlap between certain rankings, chances are they are based on reliable methodology and can be trusted. If you find a set of rankings that lies way outside what you normally see regarding a particular school, chances are that those rankings are somehow off, for good or bad.

In any event, it's always a good idea to research as much as possible. Investing in your education is one of the best ways you can improve your career prospects and salary potential. Did you know, for example, that on average, a college graduate earns nearly $1 million more over a lifetime than a high school graduate? But continuing your education is also a huge investment, so you want to consider as much information as possible when making your decision about where to pursue your degree. Also, be sure to go beyond just the rankings as you choose where you'll study, as more fully described below.

What else should I consider when choosing an online college program besides rankings?

There are many factors besides rankings you should consider when choosing among online college programs, including the following:

  • The degree you wish to pursue compared to what is offered at the schools you're considering.
  • Accreditation, especially if there are particular licensing requirements for your future profession.
  • Location of the school, particularly if you are required to complete any on-campus requirements.
  • Class size, both overall and in individual classes.
  • Instructor interaction with students.
  • Opinions of current and former students.
  • Financial resources you have available and financial aid possibilities of the schools.

Again, some of these factors may matter more to you than others, so be sure to weigh them according to your own scale of importance.

What about diploma mills?

In researching online college degree programs, you've probably heard the term "diploma mill." So what is a diploma mill? The Higher Education Opportunity Act defines a diploma mill as an entity that:

(A)(i) offers, for a fee, degrees, diplomas, or certificates, that may be used to represent to the general public that the individual possessing such a degree, diploma, or certificate has completed a program of postsecondary education or training; and (ii) requires such individual to complete little or no education or coursework to obtain such degree, diploma, or certificate; and (B) lacks accreditation by an accrediting agency or association that is recognized as an accrediting agency or association of institutions of higher education (as such term is defined in section 102) by– (i) the Secretary pursuant to subpart 2 of part H of title IV; or (ii) a Federal agency, State government, or other organization or association that recognizes accrediting agencies or associations.

In other words, these are places you want to avoid at all costs. Diploma mills operate without supervision of any government or professional organization, which means there are no quality standards or guarantees. Diplomas or degrees from these schools are essentially worthless–even though students may have paid quite a bit of money for them–because there is no way for employers or other educational institutions to know what the diploma or degree is based upon.

According to the Better Business Bureau, the following are "red flags to help identify diploma mills:

  • Degrees or diplomas are awarded based on “life experience” and require very little or no work.
  • The institution guarantees you will receive a degree or diploma within a few days, weeks or months.
  • The institution offers deals if you sign up to receive more than one degree at a time, such as a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree for one low price.
  • Addresses for administration buildings include P.O. boxes or suite numbers.
  • Prices are stated per degree instead of per credit hour.

Now that you're armed with some knowledge about what you should be looking for in online university rankings, have a look around to help you find the right online school for you. Good luck!