ASU earns 'Gold' in inaugural Times Higher Education Online Learning Ranking


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Arizona State University continues to set the standard in online learning, having earned a Gold rating in the inaugural Times Higher Education Online Learning Ranking 2024. 

This recognition places ASU among the top institutions worldwide for excellence in online education.

Woman wearing hijab with headphones, working on a laptop and taking notes, with text "THE Online Learning Rankings 2024."

The Online Learning Ranking evaluates universities based on various metrics, including student engagement, faculty qualifications, digital infrastructure and outcomes for learnings. The Gold rating is the highest distinction awarded, underscoring ASU’s commitment to innovation and access in higher education.

“ASU is committed to providing a high-quality, accessible digital education to learners across the globe,” said Nancy Gonzales, executive vice president and university provost. “Our aim is to provide an educational experience that matches the rigor and depth of an on-campus learning experience while leveraging the flexibility of digital environments. We believe an engaging and impactful online education means creating inclusive learning environments where students gain knowledge and develop practical skills they can apply immediately to their careers and communities."

ASU was one of only 11 institutions worldwide to receive a Gold designation out of 120 global universities.

A leader in online learning

ASU Online has consistently been recognized as a leader in online learning. Earlier this year, ASU was ranked No. 4 for best online bachelor’s programs by U.S. News & World Report, ahead of University of Arizona, George Washington University and University of Georgia. ASU also ranked in the top three for best online bachelor’s programs for veterans.

With more than 95,000 students, 300-plus online degree programs and more than 100,000 graduates to date, ASU’s online degree programs provide learners the opportunity to achieve their academic and professional goals. With a focus on access and student success, ASU’s goal is to meet students where they are and provide a high-quality, digital learning experience.

Through groundbreaking partnerships like the Starbucks College Achievement Plan and the Uber and ASU Education partnership, and innovative pathways such as Study Hall and Earned Admission, ASU continues to expand access to higher education. 

Learning technologies like Dreamscape Learn further enhance the online learning experience, creating an immersive virtual reality experience that draws students into their experiments through compelling narratives and real-life problem-solving scenarios.

A Gold rating also highlights ASU’s robust support systems and innovative course designs that prioritize student outcomes. 

Faculty collaborate directly with ASU’s online instructional design team, whose expertise in educational technology shapes each course to optimize student engagement and learning outcomes. These teams transform course content into dynamic, interactive online formats, blending academic rigor with rich multimedia and assessment strategies that support diverse learning styles.

Through collaborations with world-class faculty, cutting-edge digital tools and data-driven insights, ASU ensures that every student receives a transformative education experience.

“This recognition is not just about what we’ve achieved, but about where we’re headed,” Gonzales said. “As we look to the future, we remain focused on leveraging technology to redefine the possibilities of education and make learning more accessible for all.”

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