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Methodology

Key factors used in our rankings:

Academic quality makes up 45% of a school’s overall score.

A lower admissions rate indicates a more competitive school, and likely more rigorous academics. A high enrollment rate shows that students are accepted to a school choose to go there, meaning it was likely a top choice. Higher graduation rates increased a school’s ranking, as it provides the academic support students need to succeed. A high number of students majoring in the ranked subject likely indicates that school puts more resources behind that particular program.

• Admission Rate – 25%
• Enrollment Rate – 20%
• Graduation Rate – 15%
• First Majors – 40%

Online offerings make up 35% of a school’s overall score.

A strong online presence shows expertise in distance education. The number of online programs measures experience and breadth of a school’s offerings, while graduate enrollment in online programs shows that students believe in the quality of online education at that school. Likewise, a higher percentage of programs offered at the master’s level indicates an established post-graduate program.

• Online Programs – 40%
• Graduate Enrollment – 40%
• Percentage of Programs Offered at the Master’s Level – 20%

Cost and student aid support make up 20% of a school’s overall score.

Attending college can place a major financial burden on students and their families, and it’s important to prospective students that they get a good return on their investment. Those colleges that had a lower average net price ranked higher, while a high student loan default rate lowered a school’s overall score.

• Average Net Price – 50%
• Loan Default Rate – 50%
• Academic Quality + Online Offerings + Cost and Student Aid = Final Score