The University of Arizona Online surged in the U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2018 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs to No. 56. In addition, one graduate program made the top 10 and three others made the top 50 in the country.

“In only our second year of eligibility, the UA Online bachelor’s degree program has made important gains,” said UA President Robert C. Robbins. “These rankings affirm that UA Online is a compelling choice for students anywhere in the world who want to further their education.”

Since its launch in 2015, UA Online has continued to ascend in national rankings and is now ranked among the top 15 percent of online undergraduate programs.

Four online graduate programs achieved notable rankings, with the management information systems program in the UA Eller College of Management earning a spot among the top 10 programs in the country at No. 8, up from No. 11 in 2017. The College of Engineering and the Eller College of Management master’s in business administration each ranked No. 33, up from No. 45 and No. 55, respectively. College of Nursing graduate-level programs were No. 49.

UA Online offers more than 80 programs, including 31 undergraduate degrees. More than 3,600 students were enrolled in UA Online in 2017, with enrollment expected to triple by 2024.

Annually, U.S. News & World Report ranks six disciplines offered online, including business, education, engineering, law, nursing and medicine, using a multifaceted scoring methodology. In 2018, UA Online increased its student engagement score and its faculty credentials and training score.

“One of the major factors that has helped the University of Arizona improve its rankings is the investment in hiring the best faculty and insuring that they have outstanding training before they hit the classroom,” said Vincent J. Del Casino, UA vice president of Academic Initiatives and Student Success. “That means, according to U.S. News and World Report, that for the individual ranking in faculty credentials and training we were 29th in the country this year.”

“From its inception, UA Online has invested in the online student experience,” said Joshua Steele, senior director of UA Online. “Courses are designed to enhance learning and offer support services to assist students with completing their programs. We are ecstatic to be recognized for these efforts at such an early stage of our program.”

“We have made a strong commitment to developing a high-quality UA Online program that not only attracts UA-qualified students but also retains and graduates them,” Del Casino said.