KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University’s online offerings are receiving high marks. The institution is lauded among the top 100 colleges and universities in the nation in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.
Western is tied at No. 96 in the overall online bachelor’s rankings—the only Michigan public institution in the top 100—and No. 52 for online bachelor’s programs for veterans.
“Western Michigan University strives to meet students where they are, preparing students for careers in an ever-changing world while allowing them to pursue their purpose and thrive in all aspects of their lives,” says Dr. Chris Cheatham, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “We’re proud to offer quality experiences that meet all our students’ needs, including the flexibility of online programming that falls in line with our mission, ‘So that all may learn.’”
Western’s online programs were among 1,800 surveyed by U.S. News & World Report for the rankings. The publication assessed programs based on four categories: engagement, services and technologies, faculty credentials and training, and peer assessment.
Western began offering online bachelor’s degree programs in 2018, combining the latest instructional design practices and technologies with expert faculty to create an engaging learning experience. Most online courses give students the option to access recorded and archived lectures at their convenience, offering flexibility and support to ensure students complete their degrees.
According to U.S. News, students enrolled in online programs are more likely to be working professionals looking to advance or change their careers. The publication factors this into its Best Online Bachelor’s Programs rankings, using measures not only tailored for teenage prospective students but those that weigh how programs are delivered and how effective they are at “awarding affordable degrees in a reasonable amount of time to all types of students.”
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