FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Doug Schultz
Communications Supervisor
626‐852‐6497
dschultz@citruscollege.edu
Citrus College Recognized as a Top Online Community College
Glendora, Calif. (Feb. 5, 2018) – Citrus College is one of the nation's leading online educators of 2018, according to new rankings recently released by two higher education research organizations.
The first ranking was published by BestColleges.com, an online resource that provides higher education data and trend reports. In their annual "Best Online Community Colleges" list, BestColleges.com ranked Citrus College number 15 out of 50 of the nation's top accredited, not‐for‐profit community colleges.
The ranking was determined using figures from the National Center for Education Statistics. BestColleges.com assessed each institution’s quality based on academic outcomes, affordability, and the breadth and depth of online learning opportunities.
"Two‐year online learning programs are a great place for students to begin their academic journey because they provide quality academic experiences that most students can afford, while allowing complete control over their education schedule," said Stephanie Snider, the organization's general
manager, in a press release. "Our list celebrates these colleges that have developed exceptional onlineacademic programs that focus on student outcomes."
The second ranking was published by AffordableCollegesOnline.org, a higher education information bank. Using a peer‐based value metric, AffordableCollegesOnline.org ranked Citrus College number 14 out of California's top 30 online colleges and universities.
The primary data points used to identify the best online colleges of 2018 in this organization's ranking included regional accreditation, in‐state tuition and fees, percent of full‐time undergraduate students receiving institutional financial aid, number of online programs offered, and student‐to‐teacher ratio.
"We wanted to honor the colleges and universities setting the bar for online learning," Dan Schuessler, CEO and Founder of AffordableCollegesOnline.org, said in a press release. "These schools are going above and beyond the industry standard to help make online education programs an excellent option
and more affordable."
Citrus College's Online Education program was originally launched in the late 1990s as a distance education alternative. Since that time, the program's technology has evolved and its course offerings have expanded.
The college currently offers four associate of arts degrees, two associate of arts for transfer degrees and one associate of science degree that can be completed entirely through online coursework. At the same time, five certificates of completion can also be fully completed online.
"Higher education is a dream for many students, but obstacles can often prevent college completion from becoming a reality," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "At Citrus College, we are committed to removing barriers to student success, and one way we do this is by
offering a robust Online Education program. It is an incredible honor to have our efforts in this area recognized."
The program's progress is evident in its enrollment numbers. Last fall, 4,832 students were enrolled in more than 156 online course sections at Citrus College. This number represents roughly 11.5 percent of the college's total offerings.
"Being recognized for excellence in online learning is an honor that affirms the great strides Citrus College has made with its Online Education program," said Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "Whether it is through traditional classes or distance learning, Citrus College is committed to delivering high‐quality instruction that empowers students to reach their academic and professional goals. I am confident that the college will continue to advance its Online Education program in the years to come."
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