U.S. News & World Report has released its 2020 rankings for the best online programs, and 15 New Jersey colleges made it onto the lists.
The rankings evaluated about 1,600 distance education bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, which are designed for adults seeking to further their education. The master’s programs were broken down into seven disciplines.
“Prospective students now have a lot of options when choosing an online undergraduate or graduate program,” Anita Narayan, managing editor of education at U.S. News, said. “For people looking for more flexibility as they pursue their higher education goals, U.S. News has information on relevant factors like accreditation, graduation rates and student support services.”
Stevens Institute of Technology, which ranked in three different categories, took home the highest ranking for the Garden State, coming in at No. 7 for its online computer information technology master’s program. The Hoboken-based institution also ranked No. 21 in online engineering master’s programs and No. 40 among online MBA programs.
The second-highest ranking is a tie between The College of St. Elizabeth at No. 17 for its online criminal justice/criminology master’s program and Seton Hall University at No. 17 for its online nursing master’s program.
Montclair State University claimed the No. 25 spot for its master’s in online education, the No. 88 spot for its online MBA program and was between No. 45-58 for its online master’s in computer IT program.
“Providing affordable, accessible educational programs is central to Montclair State University’s mission,” Willard Gingerich, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said. “Our online offerings allow students to earn industry-relevant credentials while continuing and expanding their professional and career opportunities. These rankings demonstrate that students receive a high-quality and highly valued education, and the University is innovative in delivering it.”
New Jersey Institute of Technology finished at No. 34 in online computer IT master’s, No. 53 in online engineering master’s and No. 112 in online MBA programs.
Rutgers University–Camden stood at No. 39 among the best online bachelor’s programs and No. 69 for its online MBA program. Rutgers University–New Brunswick also took home a Top 100 spot, ranking No. 96 for its master’s in online education.
Rowan University also made it into the Top 100 with a ranking between No. 57-75 for its online criminal justice/criminology master’s program. The Glassboro-based school also ranked between No. 74-94 for its master’s in online engineering, No. 169 in online MBA programs and between No.’s 260-345 in the best online bachelor’s program category.
Berkeley College was ranked in two categories, tied for No. 49 in online bachelor’s programs for veterans and ranking No. 80 for best online bachelor’s programs.
“The continued collaboration with high-caliber online institutions and organizations enables all of us to provide our students with the advantages of a diverse digital learning environment,” Michael J. Smith, president of Berkeley College, said. “We are creating a community of online learners like none other because the level of engagement continues to expand through innovative programming. Berkeley College online students feel they belong here.”
Here’s the rest of the rankings for New Jersey:
Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (out of 353 schools in total)
39. Rutgers University, Camden
80. Berkeley College
260-345: Rider University
260-345: Rowan University
MBA (335)
40. Stevens Institute of Technology
69. Rutgers University, Camden, School of Business
88. Montclair State University
112. NJIT’s Martin Tuchman School of Management
169. Rowan University
229. Rider University
245-321: Centenary University
Computer Information Technology (62)
7. Stevens Institute of Technology
34. NJIT’s Ying Wu College of Computing
45-58: Montclair State University
Criminal Justice/Criminology (83)
17. College of St. Elizabeth
57-75: Rowan University
Education (309)
25. Montclair State University
96. Rutgers University, New Brunswick
202. Monmouth University
215. Rowan University
226-298: Centenary University
226-298: Georgian Court University
226-298: New Jersey City University
226-298: Stockton University
Engineering (96)
21. Stevens Institute of Technology (Schaefer)
53. NJIT
74-94: Rowan University
Nursing (183)
17. Seton Hall University
113. Felician University
132-173: Monmouth University
For veterans (97)
49. Berkeley College
