Published November 07, 2014
Five programs from the University of Louisiana at Monroe have been ranked in OnlineU.org’s
list of its 2015 Best Value College Rankings. ULM’s online programs in counseling,
education, healthcare, nursing, and psychology all ranked as some of the nation’s
best value online degrees.
The site used multiple factors in the ranking methodology, which include: tuition,
non-profit status, student loan repayment rate, accreditation, student services, student
reviews, and university accomplishments.
At number 10 on its respective list, the online bachelor’s degree in education placed
high on a list of 25 overall universities. The site references that its methodology
“considered which online schools were affordable, had strong student outcomes, and
prepared students well for licensure. Colleges on the list offered online programs
focusing on childhood education, special education, education administration, and
many other disciplines.”
Dr. Sandra Lemoine, dean of the College of Arts, Education, and Sciences, is well
aware of the exposure that these ranking bring to her college, and the institution.
“The School of Education in the College of Arts, Education, and Sciences grows stronger
every day to fulfill the demands of the modern world,” said Lemoine. “Our outstanding
faculty work hard to develop and implement exceptional online programs that allow
traditional and non-traditional students to pursue and strengthen their educational
and career goals.”
ULM’s online master’s degree in counseling came in at number 11 on the list of the
best value counseling degrees with a cost of $14, 250. Overall, 23 universities were
ranked on this list. According to the methodology, the “list focuses on colleges offering
online master’s in counseling degrees that are affordable, prepare students well for
the job force, and offer strong student support services. Fourteen of these schools
offer degrees for less than $15,000 per year. Many of them, including the University
of Louisiana at Monroe…are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling
and Related Educational Programs, which is required for certification as a counselor.”
ULM’s online bachelor’s degree in health studies—health studies marketing/management—provided
another top-10 ranking. The degree comes in at a cost of $11, 250. The site commends
the university’s 8-week sessions, which help students progress through their degree
at a faster pace.
ULM’s on-campus nursing degree has garnered much national attention as of late and
OnlineU.org ranks ULM’s online RN to BSN program as the number 24 best value in the
nation. OnlineU.org highlights the program’s replication of the on-campus program,
stating: “All of the university’s online programs use the same materials and cover
the same topics as the on-campus equivalent, and online students earn the exact same
degree. The Kitty DeGree School of Nursing, including the online RN to BSN degree,
is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, which ensures that
programs meet high academic standards and prepare students for the workforce.”
Dean of the College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Benny Blaylock, says,
“ULM’s College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences degree programs continue to garner
national recognition for the outstanding educational opportunities they offer at a
cost that makes them an excellent value. This level of value and quality is a product
of the outstanding work, planning, and delivery by faculty and staff in the Nursing,
Counseling, and Health Studies programs.”
Rounding out ULM’s rankings, the online bachelor’s degree in psychology came in at
number 17 in the nation on the best value psychology degrees list. At a cost $11,
250, the ULM degree is praised by OnlineU.org. The site says, “One unique aspect of
the psychology program is that The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers a variety
of cutting edge courses not available elsewhere, such as evolutionary psychology and
positive psychology.”
Dr. Ron Berry, dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences said, “We are always
excited when national organizations such as OnlineU.org recognize the value in our
online programs. With this ranking, it is also very encouraging that the group has
recognized some of the unique features of our online psychology program. I appreciate
our faculty who continue to be innovative in their development of courses and their
delivery.”
ULM’s rankings from OnlineU.org are not the institution’s first. In June, OnlineU.org
named ULM’s online MBA as one of the top 25 most affordable programs in the country.
For more information on these rankings, onlineu.org/best-value-colleges
