The top online college programs, ranked by U.S. News and World Report

Today more and more students are opting to pursue online college degrees rather than attend brick-and-mortar schools. The lower costs, convenience and flexibility, and wealth of courses available are enough of an inducement for many to forgo a traditional college experience.

Students participating in distance education programs often find that online education provides certain academic advantages as well. Increased interaction with classmates and professors via online discussion groups, and videotaped lectures and online classroom materials, are definite benefits to be considered when deciding where to pursue your degree.

This year U.S. News & World Report ranked 1,500 online programs to help you decide which might be the best for you, whether it’s to pursue a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree in engineering, business, nursing, or almost any other career specialization.

Here are some highlights of the rankings, based on factors including graduation rates, faculty credentials, admissions selectivity and available support services.

Best Online Bachelor’s Programs

1. Ohio State University-Columbus
2. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
3. Temple University
4. Arizona State University
5. Utah State University

Best Online MBA Programs

1. Temple University (Fox)
2. Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
3. Indiana University-Bloomington (Kelley)
4. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)
5. Arizona State University (Carey)

Best Graduate Nursing Programs

1. St. Xavier University
2. Ohio State University
3. Medical University of South Carolina
4. University of Colorado
5. George Washington University

Best Online Information Technology Programs

1. University of Southern California
2. New York University
3. Virginia Tech
4. North Carolina State University
5. Johns Hopkins University (Whiting)