Hernando Reporter

Saint Leo University, which was one of the early leaders in online education, earned honors in four categories for providing the best online bachelor’s and master’s programs in the United States, according to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs edition, which was released today (Tuesday, January 24).

The university received honors in the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Psychology; (ranked 36th); Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (124th); Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans (ranked 75th); and Best Online Bachelor's Programs in Business (127th) categories.

“Saint Leo is celebrating 25 years of offering online education so it’s particularly fitting that the university is being honored for providing outstanding online degrees,” said Dr. Edward Dadez, Saint Leo University president. “In 1998, the university took a risk and entered the online field. Now, through online classes, students can study anywhere and anytime that is convenient for them. It was an investment that paid off for the university and especially for its students."

U.S. News & World Report assessed schools based on four categories:

● Engagement, which measured how bachelor's degree programs promote participation in courses and allow students to interact with their instructors and classmates;

● Services and technologies, which looked at how well institutions support technology, learning assistance, career guidance and financial aid services;

● Faculty credentials and training, which ensures that online instructors’ credentials mirror those of campus-based bachelor’s programs and makes sure faculty have proper training to teach distance learners; and,

● Expert opinion, which enlists a survey of high-ranking academic officials who look at intangible factors affecting program quality.

This year's edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs evaluates more than 1,800 online bachelor's and master's degree programs.

“One of the most critical areas in which Saint Leo distinguishes itself among other higher education institutions is its focus on connecting with students,” said Dadez, the university president. “Students who are connected and involved in their university tend to do better academically and complete their degrees, which are offered from the associate level to the doctorate at Saint Leo."

The university’s online students connect via virtual clubs and associations, offered through Saint Leo WorldWide Student Life. Online students may join a club or association without leaving their home or workplace.

Online education is especially attractive to military personnel and veterans, who are transitioning to civilian careers, and Saint Leo is honored to be ranked as one of the Best Online Bachelor’s Program for Veterans, Dadez added.

To see the rankings, data, and methodologies for the 2023 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs edition, visit https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/rankings.

Original source can be found here.