U.S. News & World Report has ranked Neumann University’s online bachelor’s degree among the best in the country. In rankings released on January 21, the magazine named Neumann’s program as #4 in Pennsylvania and #107 nationwide.
The four categories used to assess online degree programs are Student Engagement (35%), Services and Technologies (25%), Faculty Credentials and Training (20%), and Peer Assessment (20%).
According to the magazine, “U.S. News chose factors that weigh how these programs are being delivered and their effectiveness at awarding affordable degrees in a reasonable amount of time.”
Neumann offers two online bachelor’s degree programs: the BS in Business and Organizational Studies and the BS in Public Safety Administration. Both programs offer courses in an accelerated format (7.5-week classes) and provide adult students, many of whom have family and work responsibilities, flexibility in completing the degree.
Dr. Jilian Donnelly, executive director of the university’s Adult and Continuing Education unit, credits the personal attention that a small college can provide for Neumann’s success with adults.
“Our academic advisors will review a student’s work history, work-related training, military experience, and previous college work, all in an effort to transfer in as much credit as possible,” she explains.
Neumann University is also a Yellow Ribbon school and helps eligible veterans fund their post-secondary education. Veterans and other adult students can transfer as many as 90 credits to the online degree programs.
According to Donnelly, because students enrolled in these programs are likely to be seeking career advancement, both online programs incorporate a problem-solving project related to the student’s workplace, affiliated organization, or career interest.