Decoding Online Program Rankings: Navigating Strategy in a Competitive Arena

April 18, 2024
Categories: Newsletter Tags: Spring 2024

Celebrating Online Ranking Achievements

UNC Charlotte continued its streak, earning a spot among the top 10 institutions nationwide for online bachelor’s degrees for 2024 coming in at #7 in the nation! This recognition comes from the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report, released on Wednesday, Feb. 7, marking the third consecutive year of this achievement.

The report also recognized four Charlotte online graduate or specialty programs with Top 100 rankings in the 2024 Best Online Master’s Degrees rankings including:

  • 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)

Why do rankings still matter?

In the higher education landscape, rankings such as those offered by US News & World Report continue to be a strategic imperative for institutions aiming to remain competitive. While acknowledging the inherent limitations of college rankings and their methodologies, it is equally important for academic programs to recognize that consumers continue to utilize the data to gain insights into factors such as academic reputation, program offerings, graduation rates, and alumni outcomes. Many prospective students and their families use rankings as a starting point to narrow down their options and prioritize institutions that align with their academic and career goals. While consumers may approach rankings with a critical eye, they still play a significant role in shaping perceptions and informing decisions within the higher education landscape.

How can the School of Professional Studies Help?

By delving into the methodologies underpinning these rankings, SPS can help you discern areas for improvement and align strategic initiatives to enhance your program’s standing. We are ready to go over the 2024 data with you and identify opportunities for improvement in ranking criteria and how various activities impact ranking calculations.

Get in touch with your SPS program manager today for a consultation! If you’re not sure who your program manager is, reach out to Karri Kennedy, Director of Program Management, at karri.kennedy@charlotte.edu.

Spring 2024 newsletter