Top 25 Online Associate in Management Programs for 2019

If you've been thinking about earning your business management degree online, now is an opportune time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in management is projected to grow by 6% from 2014 to 2024. As a result, employees with degrees in management are in high demand. This guide will help you decide if an online business management degree is right for you.

What are the Best Online Associate in Management Programs?

1

Clarion University of Pennsylvania Clarion, PA

ADMISSIONS RATE 96%
GRADUATION RATE 49%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 25%
RETENTION RATE 73%
DEFAULT RATE 8%

Clarion University’s associate in business administration with a concentration in general management is a 60-credit program. Students take courses in general education, business, and management. At least 30 credits must be completed at Clarion, which includes 12 credits each in business and management. Online courses are delivered through the Desire2Learn platform. Students who complete the associate degree have the option to continue with the bachelor’s degree on Clarion’s campus in Pennsylvania.

Online students who are Pennsylvania residents pay the same tuition as students on campus. Non-residents pay slightly lower tuition online than they would at a campus location. Online students do not have to pay student center, activity, and recreation center fees. Student services include the online writing center, career services, and online tutoring.

2

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Daytona Beach, FL

ADMISSIONS RATE 66%
GRADUATION RATE 27%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 82%
RETENTION RATE 63%
DEFAULT RATE 6%

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is world-renowned for its technical degrees in science and aviation. Designed for working professionals, the associate of science in technical management offers specializations in logistics, occupational safety and health, and engineering sciences. Students can also choose one of the new specializations in applied information technology: server and cloud administrator, cloud applications developer, or database and business intelligence administrator. The entire online business management degree requires 60 credits.

Freshman applicants under the age of 20 and without a military background should submit high school transcripts and two letters of recommendation. Standardized test scores and an essay are highly recommended. Freshmen applicants over 20 years old should submit transcripts and a resume. Transfer applicants should have a minimum 2.0 GPA. Those with fewer than 12 transfer credits will also need to submit high school transcripts.

3

Community Care College Tulsa, OK

GRADUATION RATE 56% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 90% RETENTION RATE 76% DEFAULT RATE 3%

Community Care College in Tulsa, Oklahoma offers a number of online programs, including the AOS in business and industry management. This program is career-focused and only includes business courses. Because of that, it is not designed to be a lead-in to a bachelor’s program, but rather an alternative to one. Students who already have a college-level diploma are eligible for a program option that can be completed in as little as 10 months; students without a college-level diploma can complete the program in 20 months.

According to the gainful employment disclosure, 100% of graduates from this online business management degree obtained jobs. Graduates have been employed by school districts, healthcare services, banks, and manufacturers. Career services can assist students with resume writing, interview skills, and salary negotiation.

4

Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WI

GRADUATION RATE 38% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 12% RETENTION RATE 73% DEFAULT RATE 14%

Fox Valley Technical College offers associate of applied science (AAS) degrees in management development, business management, and supply chain management. The AAS in business management requires 60-62 credits while management development and supply chain management require 61 credits. Business management students can choose from specialty tracks in accounting, agribusiness-dairy livestock, agribusiness-plant science, banking, diesel, entrepreneurship, marketing, or global business. Tracks require 16-18 credits. Admissions into these AAS programs require an academic skills assessment, which is waived for students with a four-year degree.

Students can request evaluation for transfer credits or work-life experience credits. For those interested in pursuing their bachelor’s after completing their AAS, FVTC has transfer agreements with 65 other colleges.

5

Northland Community and Technical College Thief River Falls, MN

GRADUATION RATE 37% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 22% RETENTION RATE 60% DEFAULT RATE 17%

Northland Community and Technical College serves over 4,800 students online and at four locations in Minnesota. The associate of applied science in sales, marketing, and management is a 60-credit program with courses in accounting, business, marketing, and general education. Graduates work as sales and customer services representatives, managers, and business owners. Programs are delivered through Desire2Learn Brightspace. Most online classes are asynchronous.

Students in this accredited online business management degree have access to advisors at Northland and through Distance Minnesota. All distance education students pay the same low per-credit tuition rate, which is only slightly higher than on-campus tuition.

6

Northwest Technical College Bemidji, MN

GRADUATION RATE 30% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 62% RETENTION RATE 58% DEFAULT RATE 21%

The AAS in sales, marketing, and management at Northwest Technical College is a 60-credit program that includes courses such as business communications, customer relations management, and marketing management. All students complete a general business certificate as part of the degree.Graduates may work in customer service, retail sales and management, or business-to-business sales.

For those unsure if they want to pursue an associate degree, NTC offers two 18-credit certificates, one in in sales and marketing, and one in management and entrepreneurship. The school also offers a 32-credit sales and marketing diploma. Students can begin the program as a certificate or diploma and then apply earned credits to the AAS. Students interested in pursuing further education can transfer their credits into Mayville State University’s bachelor of applied science in business administration online.

7

Excelsior College Albany, NY

GRADUATION RATE 0% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 100% RETENTION RATE 0% DEFAULT RATE 7%

Excelsior College was founded in 1971 to provide education to adult learners and underrepresented minorities. Students in the AAS in administrative and management studies learn skills such as business software, staff management, basic accounting, and business correspondence. This online business management degree is 60 credits of coursework in arts and sciences, career components, and electives. Career component courses include computers and a capstone in business strategy.

Students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree after their AAS is complete may be interested in Excelsior’s BPS in business and management or BS in business. All undergraduates are charged the same per-credit tuition. Students who complete at least 12 credits at Excelsior can waive the enrollment fee. Students can also receive credit for work experience, community service, and other experiential credit.

8

Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar, IA

GRADUATION RATE 39% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 9% RETENTION RATE 63% DEFAULT RATE 18%

Northeast Iowa Community College, located in Calmar and Peosta, offers eight entirely online programs, including the associate of applied science in applied management. The degree requires 47 credits, plus additional electives. Courses include business ethics, psychology of human relations, and principles of management. Online classes are delivered through Brightspace and most are asynchronous. Students in the online business management degree have access to 24/7 tutoring through Smarthinking, including live coaching and an online writing lab.

The program accepts students for fall, spring, and summer, with courses following the traditional academic calendar. Applicants should submit an online application, application fee, and applicable transcripts. All applicants are required to take reading, writing, and math assessments, which may be waived based on standardized test scores or previous college coursework. Students can transfer in up to 28 credits from accredited career and technical colleges.

9

North Central Missouri College Trenton, MO

GRADUATION RATE 37% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 23% RETENTION RATE 54% DEFAULT RATE 20%

Business management online degree students at North Central Missouri College are supported by online tutoring, career services, and the library, access to the online bookstore, and accessibility services. NCMC is located in Trenton, Missouri, but online students all pay the same low per-credit tuition, regardless of residency. Online degrees and certificates are delivered through the Blackboard platform, including the AAS in business and technology with management emphasis.

The degree requires 65 credits, including 15 credits in general education. Students who follow the suggested course plan can complete the program in two years. Students with transfer credit may complete the program more quickly, and those who require developmental studies courses may need additional time. Some of the unique courses in the program include web page design and employment strategies. All students are required to complete a four-credit business management internship.

10

North Hennepin Community College Brooklyn Park, MN

GRADUATION RATE 13% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 16% RETENTION RATE 65% DEFAULT RATE 14%

Delivered through the Desire2Learn Brightspace platform, the associate of applied science in management at North Hennepin Community College requires 60 credits in business, management, general education, and electives. At least 15 credits must be completed at NHCC. For students interested in further education, the AAS in management at NHCC seamlessly transfers to four BA degrees at Concordia University St. Paul or the BS in project management at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Students in the online business management degree who need extra academic assistance can take advantage of online tutoring through Smarthinking, as well as NHCC peer tutors who can assist with Brightspace, online learning, and computer issues. Authorization to offer online programs to students in California, Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania is currently pending.

11

Maysville Community and Technical College Maysville, KY

GRADUATION RATE 33% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 23% RETENTION RATE 59% DEFAULT RATE 27%

Maysville Community and Technical College is part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. KCTCS offers a number of online degrees, certificates, and diplomas through the Blackboard platform, including the AAS in business administration systems, management track. The degree requires 63-67 total credits, which includes management and technical courses. MCTC allows students to earn up to 20 credits for skills learned through experience or job training.

In-state and out-of-state business management online degree students pay the same low per-credit tuition. MCTC also offers a tuition guarantee, which allows first-time freshmen who complete the associate degree in five consecutive semesters with a 3.0 GPA to be reimbursed for all expenses not covered by financial aid, scholarships, or waivers.

12

Montgomery County Community College Blue Bell, PA

GRADUATION RATE 20% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 13% RETENTION RATE 63% DEFAULT RATE 15%

Delivered through Blackboard, the associate of applied science in management is one of the several online degrees offered at Montgomery County Community College. The online business management degree requires 60-61 total credit hours, which includes courses in business writing, finance, and management. Students are allowed to select their management concentration classes from courses including business law, entrepreneurial business plan, and supervision. MCCC is located in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, with another campus in Pottstown.

Online students pay the same tuition as those on campus, with significant discounts for in-district and in-state students. Financial aid is available. Student services include academic advisors, the library, and career services, which offers career assessment, resume review, and job listings. Most online courses at MCCC are asynchronous. Students with technical difficulties can access a help desk and live tech support.

13

Cosumnes River College Sacramento, CA

GRADUATION RATE 25% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 11% RETENTION RATE 70% DEFAULT RATE 21%

Cosumnes River College’s AA in management prepares graduates for careers as managers, supervisors, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. The 60-credit degree includes courses in general education, management, and business. Students interested in earning credit for internships or work experience can take the work experience in management course, an elective that can range from one to four credits. Other unique elective options include managing diversity in the workplace and small business management/entrepreneurship. In addition to the business management degree online, a certificate in management in business is also available. The college, located in Sacramento, California, is part of the Los Rios Community College District.

14

American River College Sacramento, CA

GRADUATION RATE 25% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 12% RETENTION RATE 73% DEFAULT RATE 28%

The AA in management at American River College includes 18 credits in management courses and six credits of business, computer, or management electives. Students must earn a total of 60 credits for the degree, which can be completed entirely online. At least 12 credits must be earned at ARC. The college also offers an AA in small business management. Most online courses are asynchronous and are delivered through D2L or Canvas.

ARC offers web-based and telephone counseling appointments for online students, as well as accommodations for students with disabilities. The college is located in Sacramento, California, and cannot offer fully online courses to students who do not live in California.

15

Hagerstown Community College Hagerstown, MD

GRADUATION RATE 22% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 9% RETENTION RATE 64% DEFAULT RATE 13%

With 240 online and hybrid courses, HCC offers 24 online degrees and certificates, including the associate of applied science in management. This business management online degree requires students to complete 60 credits, including 21-23 credits in general education requirements, 18 credits in program requirements, and 21 credits in free electives. Program requirements involve accounting, business, economics, and management courses. Students are supported by the Learning Support Center, which offers professional staff and peer tutoring in areas such as English, math, business, and accounting.

Online courses are delivered through Moodle, and students have access to a variety of technical support for Moodle and email issues. To enroll, prospective students can apply online and submit applicable transcripts, followed by placement testing. The college is located in Hagerstown, Maryland, and tuition varies based on county and state of residence.

16

Westmoreland County Community College Youngwood, PA

GRADUATION RATE 13% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 16% RETENTION RATE 61% DEFAULT RATE 14%

Students interested in management roles in corporations, small businesses, and nonprofits may be interested in Westmoreland County Community College’s business AAS with management option. The 60-credit degree includes 20 major and general education courses. The college offers over 30 online degrees, diplomas, and certificates, all delivered through Blackboard. Courses may be synchronous or asynchronous. The online student support center provides support for Blackboard, online tutoring through Brainfuse, and online academic advising, which takes place through video chats.

Located in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, tuition varies based on whether the student is a Westmoreland county, in-state, or out-of-state resident. Students in the accredited online business management degree are charged a flat rate for 12-18 credits, allowing them to take more classes for the same price.

17

State Fair Community College Sedalia, MO

GRADUATION RATE 22% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 21% RETENTION RATE 63% DEFAULT RATE 24%

While State Fair Community College offers 260 online courses, only two degree programs are offered entirely online, including the AAS in business management with management specialty. The Sedalia, Missouri college charges per-credit tuition with varying rates based on district and state of residency. Online students pay slightly higher tuition than on-campus students. Financial aid is available, and 75% of SFCC students who apply receive financial aid, which may include grants or scholarships. The online business management degree requires 65 credits. While a three-credit business management internship is required, students who cannot complete the internship may be able to substitute another course.

Resources for online students include 24/7 technical support, student success advising, the library, disability services, and tutoring. Tutoring includes email and web sessions; self-help resources; and free, multi-day workshops that take place before the beginning of the terms.

18

Yavapai College Prescott, AR

GRADUATION RATE 27% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 17% RETENTION RATE 56% DEFAULT RATE 21%

Yavapai College’s main campus is in Prescott, Arizona, with four additional locations throughout the county. The college offers nine fully-online degrees and several certificates through the Canvas platform. New online students can take advantage of live 90-minute orientation workshops and interact with a sample course. YC has eliminated most course fees, though tuition varies based on state of residency.

The associate of applied science degree in management requires 60 credits in general education, management courses, and electives. Required management courses include leadership and innovation, ethics in business, and business communication; electives are chosen from areas that include business, accounting, economics, and computer applications. YC specifies that the degree is intended for employment, and students interested in transfer options should consult with an advisor.

19

Tidewater Community College Norfolk, VA

GRADUATION RATE 16% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 14% RETENTION RATE 60% DEFAULT RATE 17%

The 67-credit AAS in management is one of the 10 online programs at Tidewater Community College. Students who complete the AA can advance to management positions or transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. The degree seamlessly transfers to two online programs, Strayer University’s online bachelor’s in business and the University of Maryland University College’s online management studies program. Online business management degree students complete an internship in their final semester, which gives them the opportunity to build their resume while applying classroom knowledge to real-world experiences.

Virginia residents pay less tuition than non-residents, and online programs cost the same rate as on-campus programs. Online students can contact the help desk for technical or Blackboard issues. Full-time students can complete the program in four semesters, but part-time study is also available.

20

Florence-Darlington Technical College Florence, SC

GRADUATION RATE 8% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 41% RETENTION RATE 52% DEFAULT RATE 17%

The first college in South Carolina to offer entirely online degree programs, Florence-Darlington Technical College now offers six associate degrees and four certificates online. FDTC’s associate of applied science in management teaches students business law, accounting, leadership skills, and marketing. At the conclusion of the program, students are equipped to write and execute a business plan. Courses are asynchronous and delivered through the Desire2Learn platform.

Tuition at FDTC is charged per-credit with different rates for Florence and Darlington county residents, South Carolina residents, out-of-state residents, and international students. The college offers open enrollment. Prospective students must submit an online application, transcripts, and entrance test scores. Upon acceptance, all students are assigned a faculty advisor.

21

Portland Community College Portland, OR

GRADUATION RATE 15% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 17% RETENTION RATE 59% DEFAULT RATE 18%

Portland Community College serves 78,000 students each year through four campuses, multiple community centers, and distance education. The college offers online degrees and certificates in six areas, including an accredited online business management degree. The AAA in management requires 94 credits in general education, electives, and core course credit. Core classes include business communication using technology, human relations, and a management capstone.

The Online Student Resource Center includes assistance with the D2L Brightspace platform, online community discussion boards, and resources like academic advising and tutoring. Tech support is available by phone, email, and through online chat. While the AAA in management is available entirely online, students may have to go to campus or an approved location for placement tests or course exams. Residents of Florida are not eligible for PCC’s online classes.

22

Tulsa Community College Tulsa, OK

GRADUATION RATE 14% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 19% RETENTION RATE 57% DEFAULT RATE 23%

Tulsa Community College has four main campuses around the city, as well as several community and outreach centers. The college offers online degrees and certificates housed in four schools: business, education, liberal arts, and science and mathematics. Online business management degrees include the business AAS with management option, which is a 60-credit degree comprised of 18 general education credits and 42 specialized course requirement credits. The degree includes nine credits of electives in business and management areas, with unique options such as consumer behavior, which studies the consumer decision-making process; imagination, innovation, and creativity, which helps students develop their creative potential; and an internship, which applies the AAS education to a work environment. Non-residents of Oklahoma pay more than residents, but TCC offers financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans.

23

Mesa Community College Mesa, AZ

GRADUATION RATE 13% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 12% RETENTION RATE 61% DEFAULT RATE 21%

Mesa Community College offers 500 classes and 20 degrees and certificates online, including the AAS in business, which provides students with nearly 15 track options to specialize their degree. The AAS in business, management track requires 68-73 credits, which can be completed in five terms of full-time study. Mesa Community College has two campuses in Mesa, Arizona, and is part of the Maricopa Community College system. While tuition varies based on residency, online classes cost less than on-campus classes for non-residents.

Credits from the business management online degree can be transferred into Arizona State University’s bachelor of science in management. Students can develop an academic plan with assistance from academic advisors, who are available through daily online chat or Canvas appointments. Business management degree online students can also access online orientation, tutoring, library resources, and Canvas video trainings.

24

Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, MI

GRADUATION RATE 15% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 11% RETENTION RATE 62% DEFAULT RATE 22%

Washtenaw Community Colleges offers 18 online degrees, including three online business management degrees: the AAS in management, AAS in retail management, and AAS in supply chain management. The college is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and delivers online courses asynchronously through Blackboard. Online out-of-district and out-of-state students pay just a few dollars more per credit hour than in-district online students, which is substantially less than non-residents would pay for on-campus courses.

All the online associate in management programs require between 60-63 total credits. The school has transfer agreements in place with bachelor’s programs at other Michigan institutions. Students have access to online advisors and receive advice from online instructors at WCC. New online students are introduced to online learning through ROLL, an orientation course that covers topics such as time management, technology skills, and student services.

25

Spartanburg Community College Spartanburg, SC

GRADUATION RATE 16% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 9% RETENTION RATE 57% DEFAULT RATE 17%

Located in South Carolina, Spartanburg Community College offers five online degrees and two online certificates, as well as 150 online courses. The AAS in management is a 61-credit program that can be completed in a minimum of four terms. The curriculum includes 19 credits of general education, 15 credits of electives, and 27 credits of management. Students complete projects and simulations related to human resources, accounting, finance, and computer applications.

Students can begin the program in fall or spring. Applicants must apply online, submit applicable transcripts, and complete placement requirements. The learning center provides several services, including “ask-a-tutor” and “ask-a-geek”, where online students can submit classwork and questions to tutors and assistants. Residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin are not eligible for SCC’s online programs.

How to Choose an Online Associate in Management Program

There are many factors to consider when deciding which business management online degree is best for you. You should pay attention to the length of the programs at various schools. Not all online business management degrees have the same curriculum; you may want to compare the courses in each program to decide which will best prepare you for entry into your career field. Some programs require that you complete some portion of your online business management degree on campus. Others have no residency requirement and are 100% online.

Another important consideration is whether or not a particular program is accredited. Graduates from accredited online business management degree programs have more options available for employment and further education. Regionally accredited schools are favored more than nationally accredited schools. For most students, cost is a very important factor. You should compare the relative costs of each school’s program as you're deciding where to pursue your business management degree online.

Educational Paths for Graduates of Associate in Management Programs

Once you've earned your online business management degree, you may decide to move directly into your career field. However, pursuing a bachelor's degree can mean a higher salary. Careers for graduates with an associate degree in management range in median salary from $50,820 to $66,360, while a compensation and benefit manager (a career that requires a bachelor's in management) earns a median salary of $116,240.

If you're considering transferring your credits from an associate degree to a bachelor's program, you may want to look into earning one of the following degrees.

  • Bachelor's in Business Management

    These programs give students the tools they need to succeed in leadership positions. Common specializations include marketing management, financial management, operational management, and human resource development management.

  • Bachelor's in Project Management

    Bachelor's programs in project management focus on planning and organizational skills, scheduling, contracts, and risk management. Students explore theories in asset procurement, leadership, and communication. Other courses touch on risk monitoring and project control.

  • Bachelor's in Healthcare Management

    Healthcare management bachelor's programs teach students about healthcare policy, methods of decision making, and quality assurance techniques. Students also learn about risk management and epidemiological research.

  • Bachelor's in Hospitality Management

    Students earning their bachelor's degree in hospitality management examine the day-to-day operations of hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality-related facilities. They learn how to budget, problem solve, and ensure customer satisfaction.

  • Bachelor's in Public Administration

    These programs cover the ins and outs of government structure, policy enforcement, and implementing social change. Students explore topics such as the ethics of government operations and the intricacies of fiscal management.

Career Paths for Management Graduates

Graduates with online business management degrees are prepared for success in a multitude of industries, many of which are exciting and lucrative. From food service to property management, all businesses need people to oversee day-to-day operations and ensure success in the long term. Though they may work in different environments, graduates of these programs can apply the same principles of leadership and business acumen to their field of choice.

Office Manager

An office manager supervises day-to-day operations while overseeing the status of long-term projects and the implementation of office policies. These professionals serve as a liaisons between high-level executives and lower-level employees, so they must have excellent communication skills.

Median Salary: $45,286

Property Manager

A property manager shows and leases rental units to prospective tenants, collects rents, manages maintenance requests, and supervises subordinate staff members. They also maintain a budget and work to keep costs low. They typically need strong skills in customer service and leadership.

Median Salary: $46,745

Agricultural Manager

An agricultural manager works with farmers and farmhands to promote the optimal production performance of farms and other agricultural resources. This job can include basic maintenance tasks like plumbing and electrical work. These managers are in charge of supply purchasing, logistics planning, and supervision of employees.

Median Salary: $45,433

Food Service Manager

A food service manager oversees kitchen and service staff at restaurants, hotels, resorts, catering businesses, and other commercial enterprises to ensure food quality and customer satisfaction. Sometimes stepping in as a server or cook, these professionals promote the smooth functioning of food service from start to finish.

Median Salary: $43,462

Lodging Manager

A lodging manager has a hand in the hiring, training, and supervision of staff at hotels and other lodging facilities. Working to maintain sanitary and safe conditions for guests and staff, these managers also work with outside maintenance teams like electricians and general service contractors.

Median Salary: $48,282

Job Outlook and Salary for Management Associate Degree Graduates

The BLS projects 6% job growth in the field of management in the period from 2014 to 2024. Students who are interested in earning their business management degree online should be aware that several factors can affect the salary they will earn in this field after graduation. As a business management degree can prepare graduates for entry into a wide range of careers, the particular positions and industries in which they work will have an impact on their salaries. Geographical region is also relevant, since the cost of living can vary dramatically from place to place.

Employment Growth for Management
Employment, 2014 Projected Employment, 2024
8,423,333 8,928,733

Salary Growth by Experience for Graduates of Management Associate Degrees

Graduates with online business management degrees generally find that the more experience they have in their field, the more money they will make. Their years of work provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to perform well in high-level positions and make necessary decisions as problems arise. The following table provides the median salaries for office managers, property managers, and agricultural managers at increasing levels of experience.


To determine the best online associate in management programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the best online associate in management programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.