For the fifth straight year Utah State University is rated among America’s Top 20 schools with outstanding online bachelor’s degree programs.

In its 2019 online degree rankings, U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) recognizes USU as the 15th best bachelor’s programs nationwide and third best graduate education program.

Dr. Robert Wagner, USU’s vice president of Academic and Instructional Services, said USNWR’s online rankings value student engagement.

“That’s the concept that an online experience needs to be a very engaging experience,” said Dr. Wagner. “Students connecting with each other, students connecting with their instructors.”

He said another consideration which makes a difference is the combination of innovation and technology.

“Because we have been teaching online courses since 1995, this type of innovation and this technology-enhanced teaching and learning experience is really in our DNA; it’s what we do and it is something that we are very proud of.”

USU offers seven online bachelor’s degrees and 12 online master’s degrees with four more launching in the fall.

In addition to its 100 percent online degree programs, USU Online also delivers over 500 individual online courses every semester to nearly 13,000 students in Utah and around the world.