ODU Ranked Among ‘Best Online Programs’ by U.S. News and World Report

Jan 15, 2019

Accountant with paperwork

Old Dominion University is one of the best colleges and universities in the nation for distance learning education, according to U.S. News and World Report's 2019 Best Online Programs rankings that were released Tuesday.

The rankings include public and private colleges and universities with degree-granting programs offering online classes. Categories include bachelor's programs and graduate programs in business, information technology, criminal justice, education, engineering and nursing.

ODU ranked among the top 100 institutions in the categories of Best Online Bachelor's Programs, Best Online MBA Programs and Best Online Nursing Programs.

"These rankings represent not only a continued emphasis on quality and rigor in our online programs, but our dedication to expanding the breadth of ODU's online catalog. It's a priority to offer quality education to people with all types of careers and interests, right where they are," said Andy Casiello, associate vice president for distance learning.

The University was also recognized for Best Online Information Technology Programs. ODU rose significantly in the MBA category - 23 spots higher than the previous year.

"When a program achieves this kind of improvement in rankings, it reflects not only the work of faculty and staff but also the continued investment of alumni," said Jeff Tanner, dean of ODU's Strome College of Business. "Their support, whether it be offering projects for students, internships, or other support, not only makes a difference in the experience of current students, it also increases the value of the degree because we're a program on the rise."

Old Dominion's rankings are:

  • No. 32 (tie), Best Online Graduate Information Technology Programs (information systems, computer science, computer engineering and software engineering) (out of 51);
  • No. 45 (tie), Best Online MBA Programs (out of 285);
  • No. 53 (tie), Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs (out of 170);
  • No. 63 (tie), Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs (out of 94);
  • No. 74 (tie), Best Online Bachelor's Programs (out of 348); and
  • No. 105 (tie), Best Online Graduate Education Programs (out of 299)

U.S. News and World Report assessed schools based on criteria such as student engagement, student services and technology, admissions selectivity, faculty credentials and training, and peer reputation.

U.S. News and World Report also ranked the best programs for veterans by adding "consideration of financial benefits available specifically to people with military experience." In these lists, Old Dominion's rankings are:

  • No. 45 (tie) Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans (out of 90);
  • No. 26 (tie) Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans (out of 64); and
  • No. 29 (tie) Best Online Graduate Education Programs for Veterans (out of 41).

To see the full online program rankings, see the U.S. News & World Report website.

Explore all of ODU's online programs at online.odu.edu.