Bellevue University Earns Top 3 Ranking in U.S. News Best Online Programs for Veterans

BELLEVUE, Neb., May 10, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bellevue University is a top five university for military Veteran students according to the inaugural U.S. News Best Online Programs for Veterans Rankings. Only regionally accredited degree-granting programs that are 100 percent online were considered and Bellevue University is ranked third in the online bachelor's degree category.

"The University is proud of this honor as it reflects our ongoing commitment to military students," said Dr. Mary B. Hawkins, president of Bellevue University. "Since our founding in 1965, we have helped thousands of military students worldwide earn quality degrees while they continue to serve our country. We take great pride in offering respected degree programs to those who serve."

All schools included in this ranking had to be numerically ranked in U.S. News & World Report's 2013 Best Online Education Programs rankings to ensure academic quality. This means each program is housed in a regionally accredited institution, and performed well enough on a multitude of factors - including faculty credentials, support provided to students, high graduation rates and low debt loads - to be included in the broader rankings.

The methodology for the rankings requires participation in four key programs that offer educational benefits to people with military service. Those include: institutions to be certified for the GI Bill, participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, be members of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Consortium and offer at least one credit-granting bachelor's-level course listed in the Defense Activities for Non-Traditional Education Support Catalog of Nationally Accredited Distance Learning Programs.

"One of our founders, Bill Brooks, was a World War II hero in the Battle of Midway," continued Dr. Hawkins. "Bill was one of the 'Brewster Buffalo pilots' and following the War settled in Bellevue. Bill's belief in the importance of educational opportunities for Offutt AFB personnel compelled him to lead an effort to establish the college. His passion infused our culture." 

In addition to an unprecedented suite of Veteran services, the University also works with corporate partners to identify how Veterans transitioning to civilian life can help fill gaps in corporate knowledge and skills. Learn more about how Bellevue University's Veterans Initiative for Advancement brings clear advantages to organizations and Veterans by visiting www.bellevue.edu/via.

Bellevue University's award-winning online classroom offers a seamless learning experience, and the University's library provides complete access to extensive research materials from anywhere in the world, anytime. The University is proud to be a leader in distance learning by offering military students the opportunity to earn an accredited degree online in a flexible and supportive environment.

Bellevue University is a recognized national leader in providing post-secondary education opportunities for working adults. A private, non-profit institution, Bellevue University serves students at learning sites in three states, as well as worldwide through its award-winning online learning platform. Bellevue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, visit www.bellevue.edu.

SOURCE Bellevue University