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Online Classes at Mississippi College Rated Best Value


More than 5.5 million students are taking online classes at universities across the USA.

Mississippi College remains part of the online enrollment boom in recent years. BestValueSchools.com rates MC 5th best in the state when weighing online affordability, growth and graduation rates of its students.

Whether the students signed up for online classes in communication, nursing, Homeland Security or loss prevention, Mississippi College “shines for the plethora of unique, career focused degree programs,” the website reports.

Founded in 1826, Mississippi College adapted to change for nearly two centuries, and that’s true for its increasing number of online courses, say officials with BestValueSchools.com.

Announced in early December, website officials evaluated a hefty dose of information from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.

The promotion and expansion of virtual classrooms, graduation rates for undergraduates, plus in-state tuition rates were key factors studied at colleges nationwide. Other measures included the range and diversity of online courses. Schools are included in the survey if at least 15 percent of their students are enrolled in online classes.

Seeing Mississippi College gain such a positive ranking statewide is no surprise, school leaders say.

“MC is dedicated to giving our online students the quality service the institution is known for and our students deserve,” said Ron Howard, vice president for academic affairs. “Look for a rapid expansion of MC’s online programming over the next two years.”

Online learning, Howard adds, focuses on the needs of a real growth market. Many Mississippians join millions of people across America seeking higher education degrees in a more convenient manner. Many students are juggling families and careers as they pursue diplomas.

Mark Hughes, associate vice president and dean of enrollment services, also applauds the news.

“This recognition reflects our strong academic representation and our commitment to online learning as we desire to offer higher learning in this electronic format.” Hughes said. “Online learning is increasingly becoming acceptable and demanded by the student market we are trying to attract.”

Nationwide, there’s been a 150 percent increase in the number of college students taking online classes between 1998 and 2008, reports show.

Overall, Mississippi College enrolled 5,133 students in Fall 2016. Many students on the Clinton campus are taking a combination of online and traditional classes.