While there is no objective ranking system for online college programs, there are a few websites focused on online education that are now ranking schools according to various criteria. Online Education Database rated Nova Southeastern University as the top online university for 2009 according to criteria that included acceptance rate, financial aid, graduation and retention rates. It was also rated highly by Princeton Review as one of the top online graduate schools to attend. Nova is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Numerous bachelor's, master's and doctoral level degrees are offered in an online format. Doctorates include computer science, computer information systems, information security and computing technology in education. Nova offers flexible programs that allow students to mix and match degree programs to create wholly new degree concentrations, if they wish.
Nova Southeastern University
3301 College Avenue
Carl DeSantis Building, Fourth Floor
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, FL 33314-7796(
(954) 262-2000
nova.edu/
Penn State University, a highly recognized name in the world of academia, has established its "World Campus" in order to provide students with quality online education options while competing in the growing field of online education. Penn State's program was featured by Geteducated.com, a respected source in online education ratings and evaluations, as a "best buy" among online colleges and universities in 2009. The entire university was also rated as the 47th best in the United States by U.S. News and World Report. Penn State offers over 60 online degree programs including the coveted Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and the innovative Master of Homeland Security degree. Penn State is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges.
Penn State World Campus
Pennsylvania State University
128 Outreach Building
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 865-5403
worldcampus.psu.edu/
Capella University is quickly emerging as a leader among schools, known mainly for its online offerings. Both Geteducated.com and Online Education Database rated Capella University highly for 2009. The variety of programs at Capella makes it one of the leaders in online education. Student satisfaction is among one of the defining characteristics that has made Capella a leading institution. The flexibility of its graduate degree programs is comparable to that of Nova Southeastern University. Its Ph.D. programs include degrees in various fields such as education, counseling psychology and business.
Capella University
Capella Tower
225 South 6th Street, 9th Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55402-3389
(888) 227-2736
capella.edu/