Florida universities recognized by U.S. News for online programs

Several Florida universities were recognized in the most recent U.S. News and World Report rankings of online programs, including Daytona Beach-based Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which has the top bachelor’s degree program, according to the publication.

U.S. News released its rankings of online university programs Tuesday that compare online bachelor’s degree programs as well as graduate programs in specific areas such as nursing, education and business.

The rankings are based on factors including how well programs promote interactions between students and instructors, how much support institutions provide to students in areas like financial aid and career guidance as well as how qualified the instructors are. The publication compared 1,545 programs.

Students at schools at the top of this list generally had less debt, according to a U.S. News press release. The average debt of graduates from the top 10 online bachelor’s programs was about $19,000, the publication said.

“Online programs can offer a flexible learning environment for students who have to balance classes with working a full-time job, caring for their family or other responsibilities,” said Anita Narayan, U.S. News managing editor of education, according to the press release. The rankings, she said, are intended to help students compare programs.

The other state programs ranked in the top 50 on the bachelor’s degree list were the University of Florida, (tied with two other schools for fifth place), the University of Central Florida (14th), Daytona State College (tied with three others for 33rd place) and the University of North Florida (37th, along with four others).

Other Florida highlights included: ■ UF’s education program shared the top ranking with Clemson University. UF also had the fourth-best online MBA program.

■ Florida State University had the sixth-best criminal justice/ criminology program. FSU also had the 12th-ranked business program and the 14th-ranked information technology program. The MBA program tied in the 21st spot with four other schools.

■ UCF’s criminal justice/criminology program was ranked 26th.