Siena Heights University’s Online Learning Programs were ranked as the best in Michigan among private institutions and 25th nationally among public and private institutions by the U.S. News and World Report. The publication released its 2015 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs rankings Jan. 7.

SHU’s Online Learning Programs, which earned its first national ranking last year, moved up more than 100 places in the 2015 rankings. SHU has offered online bachelor’s degree completion programs in selected majors since 2004.

“We are thrilled and proud to receive this prestigious third party endorsement of our program,” said SHU President Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD. “This ranking reaffirms what we at Siena Heights already know to be true – that our Online Learning Programs consistently deliver outstanding quality and value to students. We will continue to strive for excellence in this very competitive environment.”

U.S. News and World Report’s methodology included student engagement, faculty credentials and training, peer reputation and student services and technology to determine the rankings. Siena Heights was particularly noted for its efforts in student engagement, receiving the second highest ranking of all institutions surveyed (97 out of a possible 100). SHU also received high marks in faculty credentials and training.

“Our ranking represents our ongoing focus, commitment and determination to make this program successful,” said SHU College for Professional Studies Dean Deborah Carter. “We have added services like eTutoring while maintaining the existing overall academic instruction, student support and operational services. We have and will continue to judiciously operate to enhance our distance education efforts, with various teaching enhancements and beneficial changes in the near future. We know that our ‘student engagement’ score is the result of the combined efforts, commitment, and passion of advisors, faculty, staff, students and administrators who make Siena Heights University online learning exemplary. We are deeply grateful.”

SHU’s Online Program Nationally Lauded for Graduation Rate

SHU’s undergraduate Online Learning Program also has the nation’s highest graduation rate among private institutions and was third overall in a recent report released by the U.S. News and World Report.

SHU’s Online Learning Programs made the U.S. News and World Report’s “Short List” of top 10 colleges or universities that had the highest six-year completion rates based on students who entered in 2007-08. Siena Heights was the top private institution ranked with a 91 percent graduation rate during that period.

SHU was third overall nationally among all institutions, placing behind the University of Georgia and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.