CASC ranked a top college for online degrees

Carl Albert State College (CASC) has been ranked one of the best schools for online degrees in a public service field by STEPS (Student Training and Education in Public Service). Only 13 percent of colleges and universities in the United States earned a spot on the rankings for the 2024 academic year.

“Our goal was to identify the best colleges with online degree programs where graduates can make a meaningful difference in their communities through education, public policy and other career paths,” Kyle Smith, a community outreach specialist at STEPS, said. Public service degrees give students the opportunity to pursue careers where they can support those most in need, both locally and globally. This includes fields such as teaching, social work, public administration, criminal justice and public health. This ranking arrives at a time when enrollment in online degree programs remains high. The most recent data (Fall 2021) from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that 60 percent of students take at least one class online and 30 percent are enrolled exclusively in online courses.

“As more and more students gravitate towards online education, identifying flexible, affordable and accredited degree programs that fit into students’ busy lives and make college more accessible is essential,” Smith added.