Online Bachelor’s Programs Rise in ‘U.S. News’ Ranking; Grad Degrees Fare Well

Providing quality online programs is key to the U of A’s land-grant mission to serve all of Arkansas through access to educational opportunities no matter where students live and work. U of A academic colleges offer 92 online degree, certificate and licensure programs.

“The U of A is proud to provide high-quality online education and support to students who cannot attend in-person classes on the Fayetteville campus,” said Cheryl Murphy, vice provost for distance education. “Online education helps our campus fulfill its land-grant mission to serve the entire state, including those who live and work in communities hundreds of miles from Fayetteville.”

In academic year 2023, 1,074 degrees and certificates were awarded to students who studied exclusively online, per the U of A Global Campus annual report. More than 8,000 students have graduated from online programs over the last 10 years.

The colleges that provide 15 online bachelor’s degrees include Walton College; the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences; the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences; and the College of Education and Health Professions.

U of A ONLINE Graduate Degree Programs

The College of Engineering held onto its No. 42 position in the nation, the same rank as in 2023, for “Best Online Programs” in the graduate engineering category. U of A master’s degrees in engineering ranked 33 among 85 public institutions. Online graduate engineering programs ranked No. 27 in the “Programs for Veterans” sub-category.

“Our robust programs of study take students on a transformative journey where education meets real-world application, empowering them to shape the future of engineering while advancing their careers,” said Kim Needy, dean of the College of Engineering. “Our continued top rankings are a testament to our advisers, faculty and staff and their commitment to academic excellence and innovation.”

The college offers master’s degrees in engineering, electrical engineering and engineering management.

Graduate education programs ranked No. 81, down seven slots from 2023. The College of Education and Health Professions offers seven master’s degrees in education and two others in human resource development and nursing.

Methodology

U.S. News rankings are based on four categories: engagement at 35%, services and technology at 25% and faculty credentials and training and peer assessment at 20% each. Full rankings, data and detailed methodologies are available on the U.S. News website.