Find Best Degrees (FBD) rankings assist prospective students in making informed decisions as they pursue their higher education degrees. FBD rankings determine the best colleges, universities, and programs based on the following criteria:
- Cost: the average cost of a master’s program.
- Reputation & Availability: the program’s popularity and availability across multiple master’s colleges.
- Learning Options: the option to learn online, on campus, or through a hybrid model that combines the two.
- Curriculum & Coursework: the flexibility and option to select courses, electives, and concentrations and to take synchronous or asynchronous classes.
- The Length of the Program: the time required to complete the master’s program.
- The University’s Statistics: the university’s student acceptance, retention, and graduation rates.
- Return on Investment: the possibility of recouping the money spent on a master’s degree.
- The Potential of Employment: the availability of jobs after graduation and good job prospects.
How We Evaluate Our Core Criteria
FBD rankings use data from universities, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). FBD also ranks institutions using the 20-component chart below to rank universities and programs:
| Sl. | Component |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Cost of Tuition The cost per credit and other fees contribute to the overall program cost. |
| 2 | The Flexibility of the Program The ability for students to tailor their studies to their interests and goals. |
| 3 | Availability of Financial Aid & Scholarships The availability and ease of access to various types of financial aid and assistance. |
| 4 | Reputation of the College & Programs The institution’s reputation, standing, and recognition of its academic offerings. |
| 5 | College and/or Program Accreditation The college’s accreditation status and the availability of programmatic accreditation |
| 6 | Selection of Programs The choice of programs available across various disciplines for students to consider. |
| 7 | Specialization Options for Graduate Studies The option to specialize and study niche areas within a subject or program. |
| 8 | Variable Curriculum & Coursework The flexibility to select courses and electives and to double major. |
| 9 | Expert Professors & Faculty The teaching staff’s quality, qualifications, and experience. |
| 10 | Length of Program & Durations The time required to complete a program, whether full-time or part-time. |
| 11 | Availability of Accelerated Programs The option for students to choose fast-track or accelerated programs to graduate sooner. |
| 12 | Programs Without GRE or GMAT Requirements The option for students to enroll in a program without taking the GRE or GMAT. |
| 13 | Number of Intakes in a Year The availability of more than the typical spring and fall entry points into a program. |
| 14 | Synchronous & Asynchronous Learning Options The ability to take classes synchronously in a cohort or asynchronously at the student’s own pace. |
| 15 | Availability of Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid Programs The availability of various program delivery modes that provide affordability and convenience. |
| 16 | Availability of Extracurricular & Co-Curricular Activities The availability of extra and co-curricular activities for a more well-rounded education. |
| 17 | Availability of Resources The availability of all tangible infrastructure, such as labs, libraries, research centers, etc. |
| 18 | Student Support Services The availability of student services that make life easier both on and off campus. |
| 19 | Student-Teacher Ratio A low student-to-faculty ratio that allows for more personalized learning and teaching. |
| 20 | Respectable Important Statistic & Rates The institution’s Acceptance, Retention, and Graduation rates. |
How Our Degree Programs Are Ranked
FBD examines the degree program and considers how the program’s school ranks. The following are the main criteria used by FBD to evaluate and rank online programs from bachelor’s to doctorate programs:
- Accreditation
- Total average cost of the program
- How long it takes to complete the program
- In-person, online, and hybrid learning options
- Program difficulty levels
- Breadth and depth of the program
- Course assignments, capstone, thesis requirements, and additional requirements
- Availability of scholarships & financial aid in relation to the program
- Available choices of core, elective, and concentration/specializations courses
- Program prerequisites and requirements
- Access and need for research, laboratory work, and internships
- Awards and recognitions and research citations around the university’s reputation
- Industry recognition and reputation
- Graduation rate
- Student-faculty ratio
- Other criteria, such as student diversity and alumnus, considered (if available)