Based on factors such as graduation rates, student engagement and academic and career support services offered to students, the school's undergraduate programs were listed in U.S. News & World Report's 2014 Best Online Program Rankings as the best among public universities and private universities. This year, the ranking report also evaluated peer reviews, according to a press release.
"The peer rankings are a testament to CMU's academic excellence and leadership," President George E. Ross said in a statement. "As an institution with more than 120 years of transforming lives through education, the U.S. News rankings speak to our leadership in evolving, strengthening and providing access to higher education across the nation."
Third-year student Samantha Jones, who is enrolled in the school's online psychology program, said in a statement that the program is a great alternative to a traditional college experience.
"For a person who doesn't have the time or access to a traditional college experience, this program is an amazing alternative," Jones said. "My education is incredibly important to me, and CMU's online program has been fantastic in helping me stay active in my studies. I often talk to people who are in a similar situation as me, and I always recommend they look into this program."
More than 10,000 students enroll in online classes at the university each year, some as full-time online students and others supplementing their face-to-face classes at the university's main campus in Mount Pleasant, Mich., according to a news release.
Fourth-year student Justin Gawronski who lives on campus said in a statement that online classes offer the flexibility his schedule needs.
"The eight-week courses give me the opportunity to be six credits ahead in one semester," Gawronski said. "Our online classes are absolutely on par with our on-campus classes, and the ease and flexibility of the combination is unmatched."
"CMU continues to be an innovator in online learning," Michael Gealt, the university's provost, said in a statement. "Much credit can be given to the CMU faculty for our ongoing success. Students continually tell us that the accessibility of faculty is tremendous and that requests for information or help are responded to within 24 hours in virtually every case. U.S. News rankings affirm our faculty expertise and recognizes their work in creating an environment that engages our students."
The university's graduate education programs, for teachers and administrators and its online graduate business program were also recognized as one of the nation's best by the U.S. News & World Report.
