CAL U GLOBAL ONLINE RANKED BEST IN THE NATION

Posted on October 8, 2010

California University of Pennsylvania offers the nation's best Internet-based degree programs, according to a nationwide survey of online schools.

The 2010 Online College Rankings were compiled by SR Education Group, an educational resource provider based in Kirkland, Wash. The Top 20 Online Colleges are listed on its flagship site, Guide to Online Schools.

"Online learning resources enable Cal U students to receive the same caliber of education as a traditional classroom student," the report says. "Bachelor's and master's degrees are available, along with graduate certificates to help students start new careers without disrupting their busy schedules."

Rankings are based on accreditation, the cost of tuition and books, student-to-faculty ratios, graduation and retention rates, and the rate at which students repay their college loans on time. The statistics were gathered from the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics, the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education.

Guide to Online Schools also takes into account student feedback and reviews collected on its website.

Cal U was ranked second among all U.S. schools in the guide's 2009 survey. 

Following Cal U on this year's list are Iowa Central College; Abilene Christian University, in Texas; and Norwich University, in Vermont. The full report is available at www.guidetoonlineschools.com/online-colleges.

Cal U's Global Online program has been growing rapidly. Compared to 2009-2010, total enrollment increased by more than 7 percent this year. The increase for graduate programs exceeded 9 percent.

Global Online offers bachelor's degree programs in Legal Studies and Sport Management: Wellness and Fitness. Graduate students can earn a master's degree in programs such as early childhood or secondary education, nursing administration and leadership, rehabilitation science, sports counseling, technology education, criminal justice and more. New programs focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education and teaching English as a second language.

Certification for school principals also is offered online, along with a superintendent's letter of eligibility and post-master's certificates in performance enhancement and injury prevention, wellness and fitness, and sport psychology.

California University is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and various program-specific professional organizations. A full list of programs and accreditations is available at www.calu.edu.