JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida was recognized by the Affordable Colleges Foundation, a leading resource for online learning and college affordability information, by earning a place in the top 50 on its new ranking of 2015's Best Online Colleges.
Schools included in the 2015 Best Online Colleges ranking offer students affordable, high-quality programs combined with the flexibility of distance learning. UNF placed 37 and was the second highest ranked Florida university from a list of colleges and universities across the country that offer online degree programs.
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The University of Florida ranked No. 7, while Florida State University ranked No. 48.
"When it comes to online learning, these schools are the best of the best," said Dan Schuessler, founder and CEO of Affordable Colleges Foundation. "They appeal to prospective students and working professionals because they provide the same academic excellence in their online programs as their campus courses."
To find the Best Online Colleges for 2015, researchers and higher education experts collected and analyzed data from every accredited post-secondary institution in the U.S. to see which colleges offered the most notable balances of academic rigor, student support and affordability for online learning.
"UNF continues to support academic programs and departments as they develop online courses to meet the needs of students," said Dr. Len Roberson, UNF associate vice president for Academic Technology and Innovation. "Our desire is to offer online courses that are not only high-quality but that provide students with greater access to the university's excellent programs."
UNF offers eight degree and certificate programs through distance learning. Distance learning offerings are selected and developed to meet student needs in a manner that is consistent with the university's mission, officials said. Some programs require occasional campus visits, and most online courses are asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework while meeting other work and family responsibilities.
Online programs are designed to employ the best pedagogical practices based on the existing research literature and to be compatible with the highest levels of student learning, interaction and engagement, officials said.
For a full listing of the colleges and universities that were ranked among 2015's Best Online Colleges, visit www.affordablecollegesonline.org/best-colleges-online/.