NIU ranks 41st on the Affordable Colleges Foundation ranking of 2015’s Best Online Colleges, released today.
Schools included on the honor roll offer students affordable, high-quality programs combined with the flexibility of distance learning.
“When it comes to online learning, these schools are the best of the best,” said Dan Schuessler, founder and CEO of Affordable Colleges Foundation.
The number of schools offering fully online degree programs has nearly doubled over the last decade, and online enrollments continue to make up an increasing proportion – almost half – of all enrollments in higher education.
Schools on the list “appeal to prospective students and working professionals because they provide the same academic excellence in their online programs as their campus courses,” Schuessler said.
“As the demand for distance learning continues to rise, we’re seeing more and more institutions incorporate online learning into their curricula,” he said. “We want to recognize these schools for their drive for innovation in higher education and their success in expanding their high-quality programs to the online learning environment.”
Praise for NIU includes the range of degrees that can be earned online.
“The method of instruction varies, with some classes in an asynchronous format, where students can complete coursework at any time, and others in a synchronous format – meaning that students log on at a specific time to participate in virtual classes,” according to the website. “The university provides tools for students considering online learning, including a readiness survey, browser test and sample online lesson.”
