Written By Aron Smith
Jackson State University has achieved a significant milestone by securing the 67th position in the reputable U.S. News and World Report’s best online bachelor’s programs category. This notable accomplishment reflects a remarkable advancement from the program’s previous ranking of 113, solidifying its standing among 337 accredited online colleges and universities.
“I believe the population of JSUOnline programs continues to increase because of the convenience and flexible program options. Students need accessible learning alternatives, and we provide that. JSUOnline has faculty and staff that help form a supportive community that is an integral part of the college experience,” said Keith Riley, Ed. D., interim director of JSUOnline.
The rankings, curated by the U.S. News and World Report, consider various indicators to evaluate the quality of online bachelor’s programs. Factors such as engagement, services and technologies, expert opinion, and faculty credentials and training are vital in determining the positions.
The recognition comes at a time when the National Center for Education Statistics highlighted a substantial difference in employment rates among individuals aged 25 to 34 in the United States.
Those with higher educational attainment, explicitly holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, exhibit an impressive employment rate of 87%, surpassing the 73% employment rate among individuals with only a high school diploma. This statistical measure is commonly referred to as the employment-to-population ratio.
Addressing concerns about the credibility of online degrees, U.S. News and World Report research emphasizes that students enrolled in online programs generally achieve the same degree as their on-campus counterparts.
Online bachelor’s degree programs align closely with on-campus programs, and the diploma does not specify whether the degree was earned through online or in-person studies. This characteristic serves to alleviate potential reservations that employers may have about applicants with online undergraduate degrees.