For the third consecutive year, UNC Charlotte has earned a spot among the top 10 best providers of online bachelor’s degrees in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees rankings, released on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
UNC Charlotte ranks No. 7 (tie) and is one of only six universities to be ranked in the top 10 for three consecutive years.
U.S. News’ metrics for the online undergraduate rankings include student engagement, support given to students and instructor training and credentials.
For Charlotte, U.S. News evaluated its seven fully online bachelor’s programs, including nursing (RN-to-BSN), elementary education (teaching assistant to teacher), respiratory therapy, engineering technology (fire safety) and professional studies. All of these programs were developed as degree completion programs for students who already have some college credit.
Online master’s degrees rankings
In separate 2024 Best Online Master’s Degrees rankings, also released on Feb. 7, U.S. News recognized four Charlotte online graduate or specialty programs:
- Best Online Master’s in Education: No. 23 (tie)
- Best Online Master’s in Special Education: No. 16 (tie)
- Best Online Master’s in Nursing: No. 26 (tie)
- Best Online Master’s in Engineering: No. 72 (tie)
Growing to serve working adults
UNC Charlotte provides more than 50 online degree programs, all geared toward working adults.
“As enrollment and offerings in UNC Charlotte online programs continue to grow to serve our region, state and beyond, we are pleased to see the University consistently recognized as one of the top providers of high-quality and affordable online programs in the U.S.,” said Jennifer Troyer, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “This illustrates UNC Charlotte’s university-wide commitment to supporting working adults as they continue their education and advance their careers. We’re proud of the hard work our dedicated faculty and staff have put in to develop online programs.”
Online programs are powered by the School of Professional Studies, which launched in 2021 to streamline the student experience for working professionals.
Over the last two years, Charlotte has launched an online MBA and three online bachelor’s degree completion programs: B.S. in Professional Studies, B.A. in Political Science and B.A. in Sociology: Concentration in Organizations, Occupations and Work.
Enrollment in Charlotte online programs has increased 36% over the past five years.
In its 12th year, the U.S. News Best Online Programs is designed for individuals looking to complete or further their education. U.S. News evaluated more than 1,600 online bachelor's and master's degree programs for the rankings.
According to the publication, while the methodologies are different for each discipline, they all incorporate metrics specific to online learning. Only degree-granting programs that are offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions are eligible.
This is the latest in a growing number of national rankings that illustrate UNC Charlotte’s rise as a top-tier global research university. In September, Charlotte climbed 41 spots in the U.S. News 2024 Best College rankings, achieving a spot among the nation’s top 100 public universities.