These NJ Online College Programs Among Nation's Best: U.S. News

Several online programs offered by New Jersey universities and colleges are featured in U.S. News’ 2019 rankings of the best such programs.

The rankings, released on Tuesday, evaluate both bachelor’s programs and graduate programs in nursing, education, business and engineering. Over 1,500 online programs are featured in the rankings. Online graduate programs in criminal justice, business (non-MBA) and computer information technology are also ranked.

“Online programs can offer a flexible learning environment for students who have to balance classes with working a full-time job, caring for their family or other responsibilities,” Anita Narayan, managing editor of education at U.S. News, said in a press release. “The Best Online Programs rankings allow students to compare accredited programs and find those that best fit their education interests and career goals.”

Florida’s Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Worldwide ranked as the No.1 online bachelor’s program. According to U.S. News, schools at the top of the list have lower indebtedness. The average debt for graduates in the top 10 online bachelor’s programs is about $19,000, U.S. News says.

The top online bachelor’s programs offered in New Jersey are:

• Rutgers University Camden
• Berkeley College
• Rowan University

“Online classes teach responsibility,” said Vanessa Wilson of East Orange who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Management from Berkeley College in 2018. “I was able to complete homework on my own schedule.”

Dean of the Rutgers School of Business–Camden Jaishankar Ganesh said online coursework needs to deliver high-impact learning while also being flexible to accommodate the schedules of students who are working professionals.

“We’re proud that the online programming delivered by the Rutgers School of Business–Camden meets – and exceeds – those demanding standards," Ganesh said. "While we’re honored that U.S. News & World Report recognizes the value of Rutgers University–Camden’s online business programs, we’re most excited by the high level of satisfaction expressed by our students enrolled in these programs.”

Rowan Vice President for University Relations Joe Cardona said the ranking reflects the University's investment in making the student experience the best it can be for online education programs.

"Although the students may not be on campus physically, they still expect high quality programs, with talented professors and convenience that works around their schedules," he said. "Simply put, we deliver."

The top online bachelor’s programs overall are:

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Worldwide (1)
• Arizona State University (2)
• Ohio State University–Columbus (3)
• Oregon State University (3)
• Pennsylvania State University–World Campus (5)
• University of Florida (5)
• University of Illinois–Chicago (5)
• Colorado State University–Global Campus (8)
• University at Buffalo-SUNY (8)
• University of North Carolina–Wilmington (8)
• University of Oklahoma (8)

For those who want to pursue a business degree, the online MBA program at Indiana University–Bloomington was ranked No.1. The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill was tied with Indiana University for No.1. Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh ranked No.3. The University of Florida ranked No.4 and the University of Southern California was ranked No.5.

The top online MBA programs offered by New Jersey colleges are:

• Rowan University
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Montclair State University
• Rutgers University, Camden

Online graduate programs in nursing, education and engineering were also ranked by U.S. News.

Below are the top online programs for each category:

Nursing

• Johns Hopkins University (1)
• Ohio State University (2)
• St. Xavier University (3)
• Rush University (4)
• University of Colorado (4)

Top nursing programs offered by New Jersey colleges:

• Seton Hall University
• Felician University
• Monmouth University

Education

• Clemson University (1)
• University of Florida (1)
• Utah State University (3)
• Virginia Commonwealth University (3)
• Michigan State University (5)
• University of Georgia (5)
• University of Iowa (5)

Top education programs offered by New Jersey colleges:

• Montclair State University
• Rutgers University, New Brunswick
• New Jersey City University
• Monmouth University
• Stockton University

Engineering

• Columbia University (1)
• University of California–Los Angeles (2)
• University of Southern California (2)
• Pennsylvania State University–World Campus (4)
• Purdue University (5)

Top engineering programs offered by New Jersey colleges:

• Stevens Institute of Technology
• New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Rowan University

You can view the complete rankings via U.S. News here as well as the methodologies used to compile the rankings for each category.

(Photo courtesy of Berkeley College)

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