Evolution of the FSO Ranking and results of the 10th edition
This year the 10th edition of the FSO Ranking Made in collaboration with Emagister.
10 Years of Impact on Online Higher Education
Since 2015, online education has undergone a substantial evolution, driven in large part by the growing demand for master's and MBA programs that offer flexibility and accessibility to students around the world. This growth has been especially notable in recent years, with greater integration of advanced technologies and improved employability of graduates. In the first years of the FSO Ranking's existence, only 75% of the institutions evaluated offered internships or job boards, while today, 95% have these options.
Evolution of Online Training
Over the past decade, we have seen a significant transformation in the profile of institutions offering online education. Initially, online MBA programs were predominantly offered by large institutions specializing in distance learning. Today, both small schools and prestigious universities that previously only offered face-to-face education have expanded their offerings to the online mode. This shift has allowed more students to access high-quality programs without having to travel, which has democratized access to higher education.
In terms of teaching methodology, in 2024, theoretical methodology will continue to predominate (60.5% of the programs), although practical methodology is present in 39.5% of the programs evaluated. This trend reflects the balance that institutions seek between theoretical knowledge and practical applications to prepare students for the challenges of the work environment.
Master's / MBA Profile and Employability
As for the profile of the online master's or MBA, the programs last between 1 and 2 years and the average price is around 10,400 USD (9,368 €). In terms of employability, the results are impressive: 86% of students say that the program exceeded their expectations, and 94.9% of graduates find employment within an average of 5.2 weeks after completing the program. In addition, 73.3% of these graduates occupy a position related to their training, with a significant salary increase of 22.7% after completing the master's degree.
Faculty Profile and International Diversity
In terms of the profile of the teaching staff, the institutions offering online programmes have also managed to internationalise their teaching staff. 56.9% of the teaching staff are men, and 43.1% are women, reflecting a good gender balance. In addition, 17.4% of the teaching staff come from outside the country where the programme is taught, which brings a global perspective to teaching. 30.2% of the teaching staff have a PhD, and the average teaching experience is 10.7 years, which guarantees solid teaching backed by experience.
Impact on Employability
Increased job placement rates and post-training salary growth are indicative of the programs’ success. Graduates experience a 22.7% increase in their salaries, highlighting the return on investment that students get from their online education. Furthermore, the ability to balance work and study is another key advantage of distance learning: 74.6% of students say they need to continue working while studying.
Graduates find relevant positions, such as department director (36,1%) or senior manager (14%), demonstrating the success of these programs in connecting students with high-level career opportunities.
Ranking of the Top 35 Institutions
FSO Ranking Pyramid with Top 35 Winners
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