UCF online program ranked as one of best in U.S.

The University of Central Florida has one of the country’s best online bachelor’s programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The UCF program was tied with five other institutions for 16th place on the magazine’s annual list, which was released Tuesday.

Other Florida schools on the list include Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (tied for second place), the University of Florida, (tied for 12th place), Daytona State College (tied for 23rd place) and the University of North Florida (tied for 31st place). Ohio State University was the top-ranked school this year.

The rankings are based on a variety of factors, including access to professors; opportunities for students to interact with faculty and classmates; and the availability of resources like career guidance and financial aid.

Most UCF students now take a mix of online and traditional coursework, according to a news release from the school. About four in five students are enrolled in at least one online or blended course, and most live within 25 miles of the university.

UCF offers more than 80 fully online programs and certificates, according to the release. Last year, the university added new online bachelor’s degrees in legal studies; social sciences; neuroscience; and health informatics and information management, as well as master’s degrees in public administration, and a graduate certificate in professional writing.

Students who take the majority of their courses online graduate more quickly and earn better grades than those taking only face-to-face classes, according to the university. UCF online students also pay less per credit hour because they don’t have to pay student fees.

Last year, the UCF program tied for 36th place with eight other institutions, including Florida State University.