University News

WIU Earns U.S.News Ranking for Best Online Bachelor's for Veterans

May 19, 2015

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MACOMB, IL -- Because of Western Illinois University's continued commitment to veterans and active military personnel, the University has been recognized by the U.S.News and World Report for offering a "Best Online Bachelor's Program for Veterans." In the latest U.S. News "best" rankings, Western placed 57th out of 185 schools across the nation and is the only Illinois public university to appear in the top 60 online bachelor's program rankings.

"This most recent ranking further demonstrates Western's support and dedication to the men and women who have served, or currently serve, in our nation's armed forces," said Rick Carter, executive director of the School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach.

The U.S.News "Best Online Programs for Veterans" rankings measure affordability, accessibility and reputation, along with financial benefits available to service personnel. In order to be considered for the veterans' rankings, a school must first have to be ranked among the top 75 percent of schools in U.S.News "Best Online Programs" rankings, which were released in January. Western was ranked 63rd out of 214 colleges from across the U.S. and was one of four Illinois public universities in the top 100.

The University offers the longstanding Bachelor of Arts in General Studies (BGS), which offers students the option of obtaining their degree entirely via distance learning opportunities, or a combination of on-campus and distance learning classes, making it the ideal undergraduate program for active military personnel and veterans.

"The BGS degree program, which was established in 1972, serves adult students who are unable to attend a traditional college program due to other obligations, like military service," Carter explained. "In addition, rather than requiring a specific major, the program allows the student to design her or his program to meet individual educational goals. Students may also be eligible for academic credit for college-level learning that was done in a non-collegiate setting, such as the military or on-the-job training."

For a veteran or an active member of the military, the program provides a great deal of individualization and flexibility, Carter added. In addition to the U.S.News recognition, for the past decade, Western has been acknowledged as a "Military Friendly School, "Best for Vets College" and "Top Military-Friendly University" by a variety of military-related services and programs.
For more information on distance learning at Western, visit wiu.edu/distance_learning or contact Carter at (309) 298-1929 or R-Carter@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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