Limestone's Online Bachelor, MBA Programs Recognized By U.S. News & World Report

On the heels of its online Bachelor of Social Work program being recognized as one of the best in the nation, Limestone University received more high marks on the state and national levels this week as U.S. News & World Report released its 2021 Best Online Program rankings.

The publication released on Tuesday, Jan. 26, its list of online rankings for bachelor’s and Master of Business Administration degree programs, and Limestone ranked ahead of many private institutions and well-known large public schools in South Carolina.

In the online bachelor’s degree program national rankings, Limestone was listed at No. 6 in South Carolina and No. 3 among private institutions in the state. In the national rankings, Limestone came in at No. 179, which placed the Gaffney-based University ahead of other privates in the Palmetto State, including Columbia College (No. 197), North Greenville University (tie No. 246), and Coker University (tie No. 256). Limestone also scored higher nationally than some well-known public institutions in South Carolina, including Coastal Carolina University (tie No. 246), USC-Beaufort (tie No. 256), and S.C. State University (unranked). The highest nationally-ranked school from the state was the Medical University of South Carolina at No. 10.

In the U.S. News & World Report category for online Master of Business Administration degree programs, Limestone ranked No. 4 in the Palmetto State, and No. 3 among private institutions in South Carolina. On the national level, Limestone ranked No. 180, which was higher than large public institutions in South Carolina such as Coastal Carolina University (tie No. 224), Winthrop University (tie No. 224), and Clemson University (unranked). The highest ranked online MBA program in South Carolina was The Citadel at No. 88.

According to U.S. News & World Report, earning a bachelor's degree – in person or online – can open doors when it comes to employment opportunities. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the employment rate among 25- to 34-year-olds in the U.S. with a bachelor's degree was at 86 percent in 2018. Compare that with the 72 percent employment rate for those with a high school diploma.

A bachelor’s degree can also lead to a higher salary. In 2018, the average person with a bachelor’s degree earned a median income of nearly $1,200 per week. In comparison, those with an associate degree earned about $860 weekly, while those with a high school diploma averaged $730 a week.

In 2017, about 5.5 million undergraduate students enrolled in at least one online course, and 2.2 million enrolled exclusively in online classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Earning a master's degree online can help professionals get ahead in their respective careers – whether it's to change fields or advance into a management role. Online master’s degrees, such as an MBA, allow students to go back to school and balance a full-time job with a university education.

Earlier this week, Limestone was recognized in a College Consensus survey as one of the “Best Online Bachelor’s in Social Work” programs in the nation for 2021. The University’s Bachelor of Social Work online program was ranked No. 23 in the United States and No. 1 in the Carolinas.

To learn more about Limestone’s online bachelor’s and Master of Business Administration degree programs, visit www.limestone.edu.