SBCC once again rated among top 10 community colleges for online degrees
SBCC once again rated among top 10 community colleges for online degrees
The Optimal Guide to Online Schools is the latest education group to rate Santa Barbara
City College among the top 10 best California community colleges to earn an online associate degree or certificate.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted higher education to an unprecedented extent. Many
students are rethinking the traditional model of a brick-and-mortar education, considering
instead the benefits and safety of pursuing an online degree. To assist students in
finding the best option for their individual needs during this time, Optimal (formerly
SR Education Group) recently released the 2020 Best Online Community College Rankings
on Guide to Online Schools. The rankings include a nationwide best overall community
college ranking, as well as 41 individual state rankings. Santa Barbara City College
was ranked at number seven out of all California Community Colleges.
“More than ever, this recognition of the quality of our online programs is a source
of pride for us,” commented Executive Vice President of Educational Programs Pamela
Ralston. “It is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff to engage in
continuous improvement of our course offerings, technology supports and student services.
Especially now as we work to bring even more instruction online, SBCC faculty work
to bring quality and personal engagement into our online offerings.”
Each community college was ranked by several important factors, including retention
rate, graduation rate, percentage of online enrollment data, and the number of online
associate degrees offered.
Community colleges with online programs offer an affordable option for students who
want to begin their education path at home and bypass the unpredictability of what
the fall semester may bring. Additionally, this choice can eliminate the financial
strain of a four-year, on-campus degree at a traditional university, an important
consideration as students face an uncertain economy. Earlier this year SBCC also received
recognition for its online programs from Intelligent.com and Value Colleges.
SBCC’s 2020 Fall semester begins Monday, August 24. To see the Fall schedule of classes,
go to sbcc.edu/classes. For more information about other awards and recognitions received by SBCC, go to: sbcc.edu/about/awards