UIW Makes Major Improvement in Rankings in Publication’s “Best of” Online Programs
U.S. News & World Report out with its 2024 List
San Antonio – February 7, 2024 – U.S News & World Report released today its 2024 Best Online Programs rankings and the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is proud to announce that it made impressive improvement in two major categories. On the list of Best Online Bachelor’s, UIW went from #104 in 2023 to #57 in 2024. And in the category of Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans, UIW jumped to #38 in 2024 from #61 in 2023. The publication based its rankings on engagement, services and technology, faculty credentials and training, and expert opinions.
“UIW’s Mission is to provide education that transforms lives,” says Dr. Thomas M. Evans, UIW president. “Our new rankings are reflective of our commitment not only to providing opportunities for students to learn in the modality of their choice, but to ensure that they are well-supported along every step of their journeys.”
U.S. News & World Report is now in its 12th year of collecting data from distance education master’s and bachelor’s degree completion programs. For the 2024 edition, the publication assessed 1,752 online degree programs and ranked 1,680 of them. The rankings measure overall academic quality across disciplines such as master’s in business, criminal justice, education, engineering, information technology and nursing. They also produce the best programs for military veterans and active-duty service members ranking – which credits strong academic programs for enrolling veterans and making available ample financial benefits linked to federal programs.
As noted by the publication, online college is no longer just an option for many students, it has become the norm. Experts say colleges are poised to offer even more online degree programs and develop new ones as well. Advancements in technology, course design and high-speed internet availability are moving online learning forward. But this is not a new development at the University of the Incarnate Word. UIW has a proven history of success in online education that goes back more than two decades and the University’s commitment to serving our nation’s veterans has been recognized throughout the years, most recently being ranked as the best in the nation by Military Times Magazine.
“The significant improvement in our rankings is a reflection of our relentless pursuit of academic excellence and our unwavering support of our veteran students,” says Dr. Osman Özturgut, dean of the School of Professional Studies and associate provost of Strategic Outreach and Partnerships. “We are immensely proud of our upward trajectory in the online programs landscape, as recognized by U.S. News & World Report. This achievement reaffirms our commitment to providing top-tier education that empowers individuals to achieve their fullest potential.”
According to U.S. News & World Report, earning a bachelor’s degree, in person or online, can open doors to employment opportunities. The employment rate among 25- to 34-year-olds in the U.S. with a bachelor’s degree or higher was at 87% in 2022. Compare that with the 73% employment rate for those with only a high school diploma.
MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Valdes, Media and Public Relations Manager, Office of Communications & Brand Marketing, (210) 829-6001, (210) 422-4052 or michael.valdes@uiwtx.edu.