Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Award

U.S. News & World Report Ranks Local, Non-Profit University 1^st Place in Country in Two Categories

In 2017, for the second year in a row, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was ranked as the #1 University in the United States for Online Degree Programs, as well as #1 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans by the U.S. News & World Report. ERAU is a private, non-profit, and regionally-accredited institution with over 130 locations across the globe, including a campus in Elizabeth City. The campus, which opened in 2006 on the U.S. Coast Guard Base, helps to meet the academic needs of active-duty and support personnel. The university offers a diverse range of technical degrees, including Aeronautics, Technical Management, Homeland Security, Engineering, and Unmanned Systems Applications, as well as a wide variety of other degrees.

The U.S. News & World Report's ranking on Best Colleges is a highly sought-after endorsement. Each year, college and university administrators across the nation keep their fingers crossed in the hopes that their institution will receive a top ranking. The ranking of a university is important because not only can a high ranking influence a student's school choice, but it may also impact the decision of employers who seek the best-trained employees, particularly in highly technical fields.

Within the ranking process, U.S. colleges and universities are categorized into four types of institutions: National Universities, National Liberal Arts Colleges, Regional Universities, and Regional Colleges. Academic quality is assessed for several indicators associated with academic quality and student success. Each school is then assigned a weighted score based on seven measures that will be entered into the ranking formula: Graduation and Retention Rates (22.5%), Undergraduate Academic Reputation (22.5%), Faculty Resources (20%), Student Selectivity (12.5%), Financial Resources (10%), Graduation Rate Performance (7.5%), and Alumni Giving (5%). Schools are then ranked based on their scores within each category.

“If you want to get an unbiased opinion on education quality, you should consult the U.S. News & World Report. If you want to gauge the quality of the academic support services a school offers, you need to go on an unannounced visit to the college or university you would like to attend,” said Dr. Judy Drago, Director of the Elizabeth City Campus.

Working on the USCG Base and want to know more about programs at ERAU? Stop by the Elizabeth City campus in Building 62. No appointment is necessary. You can also email (elizabethcity@erau.edu), or call the office (252-331-2225), and we'll work with you to find the right degree program for you!