FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tracie Stone
Ph: 603-493-2647
E-mail: tracie.stone@granite.edu

GRANITE STATE COLLEGE RECOGNIZED FOR HIGH QUALITY ONLINE EDUCATION
Online Degree Programs Earns National Ranking

January 30, 2008 - CONCORD - Granite State College, one of four University System of New Hampshire institutions, has been ranked 27 th in the nation in the "2008 Online College Rankings" produced by web-based online, distance learning and continuing education resource, Online Education Database.

"This recognition by Online Education Database is testimony to the high quality of our online academic programs and services and a tribute to the outstanding efforts of our faculty, advisors and technical support staff," said Dr. Karol LaCroix, President of Granite State College. "As the University System of New Hampshire leader in distance education, Granite State College is expanding its reach and making it possible for more residents of our state to earn a college degree."

Only the "most significant degree-granting undergraduate online colleges operating nationally," were considered for this year’s OEDb rankings, according to OEDb spokesperson, Ashley Merusi. Granite State College is the only New Hampshire-based institution included in this year’s rankings.

Of the more than 1,000 online college degree programs listed on a variety of Internet websites including U.S. News and World Report’s "E-Learning Guide" and the Distance Education and Training Council’s list of accredited institutions, only those that met the following criteria were considered for this year’s OEDb ranking:

• Must offer multiple degree-granting programs online.
• Must offer more than 50 percent of their undergraduate degree programs online.
• Must be listed in the United States Department of Education’s "College Navigator."

Colleges and universities were measured on student-faculty ratio, peer web citations, acceptance, retention and graduation rates, years accredited, financial aid and scholarly citations.

Granite State College began offering online courses in the fall of 1999. Today its students have access to nine online degree programs - three associate’s and six bachelor’s – including Business Management, Applied Technology, Criminal Justice Administration and General Studies.

" Granite State College offers the highest quality of instruction coupled with a dynamic and challenging learning environment," said Michael Moroukian, Dean of Educational Technology and Computing. "This is at the heart of each of our online courses."

Granite State College’s online bachelor’s degree in business program was recently ranked a "Top 10 Best Buy" by geteducated.com, the online counseling center for adult learners.

Granite State College is committed to making a high quality education accessible, affordable and convenient. Its Online Interactive Courses are fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and provide flexibility as well as a highly supportive environment for learning.

For more information about Granite State College’s Online Interactive Degree Programs visit www.granite.edu or call (603) 228-3000.

Granite State College is one of four University System of New Hampshire institutions and a leader in online education. It offers Associate and Bachelor degrees online and in traditional classroom setting. Post-baccalaureate programs for teacher education and transfer opportunities are also offered.

With nine academic centers located throughout New Hampshire, Granite State College is committed to delivering affordable and convenient access to higher education via innovative programming.