US News and World Report recognizes Appalachian for ‘Best Online Programs’

BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s online bachelor’s and graduate education programs are ranked among the best in the nation — within the top 26 percent of colleges and universities — for 2019, according to U.S. News and World Report.

In the publication’s newly released “2019 Best Online Programs” rankings, Appalachian was named to both the “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” and “Best Online Graduate Education Programs” lists.

This year, Appalachian moved up 72 spots from its 2018 ranking for bachelor’s programs, placing at No. 93 out of 348 higher education institutions. Schools were assessed based on four categories: student engagement, student services and technology, faculty credentials and training, and peer reputation.

For graduate education programs, Appalachian ranked 77th out of 299 schools based on student excellence, student services and technology, student engagement, faculty credentials and training, and peer reputation.

“These rankings reflect the commitment our faculty and staff have in providing our students the best college experience,” said Dr. D. Terry Rawls, executive director of App State Online. “App State Online remains committed to supporting the expansion of higher education to meet the diverse needs of students, wherever they are, without sacrificing the Mountaineer experience.”

In U.S. News and World Report’s news release about the rankings, Anita Narayan, managing editor of education at U.S. News, said, “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. The Best Online Programs rankings allow students to compare accredited programs and find those that best fit their education interests and career goals.”

Appalachian offers seven online bachelor’s programs: career and technical education, child development, communication studies, advertising, management, nursing, and workforce education and development.

Among online graduate education programs, Appalachian offers master’s degrees in curriculum specialist, educational media, elementary education, higher education, middle grades education, library science and school administration; the education specialist degrees in educational administration and higher education; a doctorate in educational leadership; and several graduate certificates in education.

See the full rankings.

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About App State Online

Recognized as one of the top online education destinations in the country by U.S. News & World Report, App State Online is designed to meet students wherever they are — whether they are seeking a degree, a credential or looking to sharpen their personal and/or professional skills. Through App State Online, Appalachian State University offers innovative, flexible and accredited undergraduate and graduate programs. Learn more at https://online.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.

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