NACOGDOCHES, Texas - CollegeChoice.net, an independent online publication dedicated to helping students find the right college, has ranked Stephen F. Austin State University as the sixth best university in Texas to offer an online Bachelor of Business Administration.

"This ranking serves as confirmation of our commitment to excellence in business education," said Dr. Tim Bisping, dean of SFA's Rusche College of Business. "We have outstanding faculty members committed to providing our students with the absolute best in online education, and I am pleased to see our efforts being acknowledged by this ranking."

CollegeChoice based the rankings on freshmen poll results from a nationwide survey published by the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles. In the survey, students rated academic reputation, financial aid offerings and overall cost of the school. The survey also reviewed graduate success rates in the post-college job market. Other factors that contributed to the rankings were data from U.S. News & World Report, the National Center for Education Statistics and PayScale.com.

SFA's online B.B.A. in general business allows students who have completed required courses to finish the final two years or more of a degree through web-based classes.

Dr. Susan Jennings, SFA's online B.B.A. coordinator, explained the online degree is the same degree that is offered in person.

"Some schools create a different online degree, but we want our students to have access to the same degree," Jennings said. "Also, we work to provide personal attention to our online students."

The general business major includes courses from various academic disciplines within SFA's Rusche College of Business. The program is designed for students who are limited by time and distance in their options for completing their degree.

The degree is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the premier accreditation agency for business programs. 

"In developing and administering our online B.B.A. program, we have been intentional in working to ensure that the program fits well with the needs of those seeking to complete their degree online in order to achieve their own personal and academic goals," Bisping said. "This focus has been well-received and has resulted in a growing and robust program."

For more information, contact Jennings at (936) 468-1634 or sjennings@sfasu.edu, or visit http://www.sfasu.edu/cob/105.asp.