“U.S. News & World Report” ranked Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in its latest ranking of 2020 Best Online Programs. Woods Online made a significant gain in the ranking from last year’s No. 233 to this year’s No. 176.
The College’s assent in the rankings is, in part, a reflection of its continued success in offering support throughout every aspect of the students’ educational journey.
“In addition to ensuring the delivery of a high-quality education, we know online students need to feel connected with the institution,” said Janet Clark, Ph.D., vice president for academic and student affairs. “Our students have accessibility to faculty and to all the same educational and support student services as on-site students, which are all critical to student success.”
The U.S. News methodology combines four fundamental categories: engagement, services and technologies, faculty credentials and training and expert opinion. The results are based on data from 258 institutions weighing how the programs are delivered and their effectiveness at awarding affordable degrees in a reasonable amount of time.
“The ranking affirms our strategic commitment to online learners for which we are known,” added Clark. “We continue to be intentional with innovation in teaching and investments in staff and resources to enhance the student experience.”
In the fall 2019, SMWC was also recognized by “U.S. News” in as one of the nation’s best colleges in the categories of Best Regional University Midwest, Regional Universities Best Value and Social Mobility.
Since 1973, the College’s distance program consistently delivers an affordable and distinctive education toward degree completion. Currently, Woods Online offers more than 20 areas of study with the opportunity to begin five times a year. To learn more about Woods Online, visit www.smwc.edu/online.