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Saint Leo University Earns Honors in 4 Categories of the 2023 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs

25 Years of Online Experience Pays off for Saint Leo Students

Man working at computer with headline: St. Leo University Earns Honors in Best Online Programs
Photo: Cottonbro Studio via Pexels | Columbia County Observer graphic

ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University, one of the early leaders in online education, earned honors in four categories for providing the best online bachelor’s and master’s programs in the United States, according to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs edition, released Tuesday, January 24.

The university received honors in the following:

• Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Psychology (ranked 36th)
• Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (124th)
• Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans (ranked 75th)
• Best Online Bachelor's Programs in Business (127th) categories.

Dr. Edward Dadez, Saint Leo University presidentDr. Edward Dadez, Saint Leo University president, said, "Saint Leo is celebrating 25 years of offering online education, so it’s particularly fitting that the university is being honored for providing outstanding online degrees. In 1998, the university took a risk and entered the online field. Now, through online classes, students can study anywhere and anytime that is convenient for them. It was an investment that paid off for the university and especially for its students.

U.S. News & World Report assessed schools based on four categories:

● Engagement, which measured how bachelor's degree programs promote participation in courses and allow students to interact with their instructors and classmates;

● Services and technologies, which looked at how well institutions support technology, learning assistance, career guidance, and financial aid services;

● Faculty credentials and training, which ensures that online instructors' credentials mirror those of campus-based bachelor's programs and makes sure faculty have the proper training to teach distance learners;

● Expert opinion, which enlists a survey of high-ranking academic officials who look at intangible factors affecting program quality.

This year, U.S. News & World Report evaluated more than 1,800 online bachelor's and master's degree programs.

President Dadez commented on St. Leo’s focus on student engagement, “One of the most critical areas in which Saint Leo distinguishes itself among other higher education institutions is its focus on connecting with students. Students who are connected and involved in their university tend to do better academically and complete their degrees, from associate level to doctorates.”

The university’s online students can enjoy the college experience by connecting to virtual clubs and associations offered through Saint Leo’s WorldWide Student Life.

“Online education is especially attractive to military personnel and veterans transitioning to civilian careers. Saint Leo is honored to be ranked as one of the Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans,” President Dadez added.

To see the rankings, data, and methodologies for the 2023 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs edition, visit https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/rankings.

About Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is one of the largest Catholic universities in the nation, offering nearly 60 undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs to more than 19,500 students each year. Founded in 1889 by Benedictine monks, the private, nonprofit university is known for providing values-based education to learners of all backgrounds and ages in the liberal arts tradition. Saint Leo is regionally accredited and offers a residential campus in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, 15 education centers in five states, and an online program for students anywhere. The university is home to more than 95,000 alumni. Learn more at saintleo.edu.

Mary McCoy is a university writer and media relations expert at St. Leo University

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