AC Online Ranks TAMIU Among Top Online Colleges

Affordable Colleges Online (AC Online) recently identified colleges and universities in each state with the most affordable online degree programs, naming Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) ninth among the “Most Affordable Online Colleges in Texas.”

AC Online focused specifically on distance learning options from public and private non-profit institutions with full accreditation.

“For-profit schools no longer dominate the distance-learning landscape,” said Dan Schuessler, founder and CEO of AC Online,“So many of today’s top universities have added full online degree programs to their catalogs, making it much easer for non-traditional students to receive a quality education.”

Opponents of for-profit distance learning have cited both quality and affordability as drawbacks of online model. Yet over the last few years, traditional colleges and universities with proven quality have made online programs accessible via discounted tuition and assistance programs, Schuessler observed.

“Offering students great online programs is only half the battle,” said Schuessler. “The colleges on our list offer students quality, flexibility and affordability.”

TAMIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr. Pablo Arenaz, said while affordability is key, relevant programs make the investment in online education worthy.

“We have worked diligently to develop online programs, especially at the graduate level, that are regionally relevant, but have a broad national and international appeal. Examples of this are our MS in Criminal Justice, the MA in Translation and the MBA in Spanish. We think of our online programs as passport degrees to global opportunities,” Dr. Arenaz said.

He noted that the online expertise and research background of TAMIU’s faculty further enhances its online profile.

“Our faculty are top-notch educators adept at online teaching. Each has substantial research expertise that also taps into our unique location, cultural confluences and the international experience that infuses our programs. These strengths, combined with our low cost and flexible entry, are proving most attractive to students,” Arenaz said.

Arenaz said the University will continue to expand its online offerings.

“We will continue to build on our innovative online programs that have a regional economic impact, but can clearly be exported nationally and internationally. Our campus and programs are at an enviable crossroads of the Americas which will continue to fuel our online programs in Spanish for Spanish-speaking countries in this Hemisphere and beyond,” he said.

The Affordable Colleges Online “Most Affordable Online Colleges in Texas” listing is available at http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/online-colleges/texas/

Registration for the Spring Semester 2014 is currently underway at tamiu.edu. To review TAMIU Online offerings, go to tamiu.edu/online

Affordable Colleges Online provides students with information about affordable higher education options. Its website offers financial aid videos, expert advice, and cost savings ideas.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu