ATSU ranks #6 of 200 institutions with online programs

KIRKLAND, WA (Oct. 26, 2009) – A.T. Still University (ATSU) ranked #6 out of 200 educational institutions offering online degree programs by Guide to Online Schools, a leading online education portal. The annual study by Guide to Online Schools factored in multiple metrics: regional accreditation, tuition cost, number of students, number of full-time faculty, number of part-time faculty, student-to-faculty ratio, graduation rate, and retention rate, all derived from the latest data compiled by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a U.S. Department of Education group. For its findings, Guide to Online Schools also leveraged student feedback and reviews collected on its site during the study. The top 25 schools to rank were then published with full metric data presented online.

ATSU had the highest graduation rate of all the top 25 institutions and ranked well for having a low overall student-to-faculty ratio. ATSU received high marks for its accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS), in addition to having program-specific accreditations through professional organizations. For example, the University’s Physician Assistant Studies program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

ATSU’s ranking placed it ahead of other popular online institutions, including the University of Phoenix, Capella University, and Walden University. “A.T. Still University has consistently proven itself to be a leading institution, both in terms of popularity and in the quality of education it provides its students. The University represents a fantastic distance learning opportunity for anyone interested in furthering their healthcare education,” stated Keith Cushner, project manager for Guide to Online Schools.

ATSU, with residential campuses in Kirksville, Mo., and Mesa, Ariz., was founded in 1892. The University offers graduate degree programs centered on whole person healthcare and other related healthcare fields, delivering courses through a variety of methods, including campus-based, blended learning, and online.

Guide to Online Schools in an authoritative online resource for distance education and career information. The site provides prospective students with school reviews, distance learning testimonials, in-depth career information, and the ability to connect directly with schools. Guide to Online School’s study is available at http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/online-colleges, and is part of an annual review of all online schools presented on the website.

For more information, contact Keith Cushner of Guide to Online Schools at 425.605.8898 or keith@reachnetwork.com.