UNG recognized for online learning excellence

The University of North Georgia (UNG) has been recognized by AffordableCollegesOnline.org (ACO), a leader in higher education information, resources and rankings, for its excellence in online learning.

UNG ranked 15^th among the colleges and universities ACO listed as the best online colleges in Georgia. Only public, not-for-profit institutions were eligible for the ranking. The primary data points used to identify the best online colleges of 2017 – 2018 included:

• Regional Accreditation
• In-state tuition and fees
• Percent of full-time undergraduate students receiving institutional financial aid
• Number of online programs offered
• Student-to-teacher ratio

The website evaluated UNG's seven online graduate degree programs, its 21:1 student-teacher ratio, a 52 percent online graduation rate, and an average cost of $3,364 in tuition and fees.

“The UNG faculty are dedicated to developing and delivering high quality online courses and programs to achieve goals such as this recognition,” said Irene Kokkala, Distance Education & Technology Integration (DETI) director. “In turn, the DETI division supports these faculty efforts through a variety of means ensuring that nationally recognized standards are met.” 

Presently, in addition to its seven graduate programs, UNG offers one bachelor’s degree program, five associate degree programs, and six certificate programs online.

Undergraduate core requirements are offered online through eCore, the University System of Georgia’s fully online core curriculum; other courses are offered through UNG Online.

ACO has distinguished its ranking scale by using a Peer-Based Value metric, or PBV. A “bang for your buck” metric, the PBV compares the cost of a program to the cost of other programs with the same (or a similar) qualitative score. It also compares the qualitative score of the program to the score of other programs with the same (or a similar cost).

The website began in 2011 to provide quality data and information for potential students pursuing affordable higher education online alternatives. It offers free community resource materials and tools on topics such as financial aid and college savings, opportunities for veterans, people with disabilities, and online learning resources.

ACO features higher education institutions that have developed online learning environments that include highly-trained faculty, new technology and resources, and online support services to help students achieve educational and career success.