CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University has bolstered its reputation as one of America's best providers of online education, with its online bachelor's degree programs today being ranked fifth in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

OSU's Ecampus online education program scored 95 points out of 100 in the rankings, which include nearly 300 higher education institutions. Schools were assessed based on student engagement; faculty credentials and training; peer reputation; and student services and technology. The full list is available online at http://bit.ly/1tKZqTz

"As Oregon State strives to improve the lives of citizens around the world, this recognition reinforces our commitment to expand and enrich learning experiences for all of our students," said OSU President Ed Ray. "Ecampus and its faculty partners continually demonstrate that our university is a leader in the creation and use of the best new learning technologies."

Ecampus delivers 19 undergraduate programs online, with new bachelor's programs in business administration and Spanish launching this year. An additional 22 OSU programs are available at the graduate level.

Ecampus serves adult learners in all 50 states and more than 40 countries, and nearly 15,500 students took one or more Ecampus classes in 2013-14. The number of online learners at Oregon State has grown by 395 percent in the past five years, making it one of the fastest-growing segments of the university's enrollment.

"Our mission is to provide learners with access to engaging, quality programs that help them finish their degrees and advance in their careers," said Ecampus executive director Lisa L. Templeton. "Being highly ranked is particularly gratifying because the methodology weighs student engagement as the most important factor."

Oregon State has been recognized as one of the country's best online universities by a variety of publications in each of the past five years. Last September, OSU was named the No. 1 online college in Oregon by TheBestSchools.org.

Story By: 

Tyler Hansen, 520-312-1276

Source: 

Lisa L. Templeton, 541-737-1279

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