Distance Learning Excellence: N.C. A&T’s Commitment to Accessibility and Innovation

Balancing Academics and Life: The Benefits of N.C. A&T’s Online Degree Programs

Online learning is rapidly transforming higher education worldwide. In 2021, the World Economic Forum reported over 20 million new learners registered for online courses, with significant growth in emerging economies. Moreover, the global online education market is projected to reach $203.80 billion by 2025 and grow to $279.30 billion by 2029, highlighting the rising demand for flexible, accessible education. Strengthening its position, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) has distinguished itself in the rapidly expanding field of online learning. The university boasts nine nationally recognized high-quality programs, as highlighted by U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 Best Online Programs rankings. Among these, three undergraduate and six graduate programs are featured, with two programs ranked in the top 10 and two others in the top 30 nationwide.

N.C. A&T's online degree programs provide accessibility and flexibility, allowing students to balance academics with personal and professional commitments. These programs are typically more affordable than in-person instruction, help students develop competitive job market skills, and offer networking opportunities with a diverse peer group. Their impressive rankings align with significant growth in both in-person and distance learning. In addition to its nationally ranked online degree programs, the university offers online certificate programs. Moreover, N.C. A&T reported a record enrollment of 14,311 students on campus.

During the academic year 2024-25, the number of students taking only online courses or a mix of online and in-person courses grew substantially. Specifically, students taking a mix of courses increased by 550 to a total of 7,698, while online-only learners surpassed 1,700 for the first time, marking a nearly 5.5% increase from the previous year, with substantial growth at every level. Over the past five years, the percentage of overall courses offered online at A&T has doubled, and enrollment in the university's online degree and certificate programs has also doubled over the same period.

N.C. A&T excels in veteran-focused programs, ranking sixth in online master’s in information technology, 21st in online bachelor’s programs, 26th in online master’s in education, and 42nd in online MBA programs for veterans. The university’s online master’s in information technology is tied for 10th with Rice and Boston universities. Additionally, its online bachelor’s programs are tied for 39th, the online MBA is tied for 72nd, the master’s in education is tied for 85th, and the online bachelor’s in business programs are tied for 87th.

Tonya B. Amankwatia, Ph.D., assistant vice provost for Distance Education and Extended Learning, stated that N.C. A&T is dedicated to providing quality education accessible to all learners, no matter their location. She highlighted that the university's distance education programs are crucial to this mission and credited the faculty, advisors, and staff for their dedication. Amankwatia noted that they are collectively creating flexible, supportive, and transformative learning experiences to help learners succeed in a rapidly changing world.
N.C. A&T's commitment to online education excellence continues to drive growth, innovation, and accessibility in higher education.

Editor's Note:

Undoubtedly, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) marked its presence globally, for its outstanding achievements in online education, with nine nationally recognized programs in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 Best Online Programs rankings .N.C. A&T exemplifies excellence through its accessible, flexible, and innovative online programs, catering to a diverse range of learners. The university’s commitment to veteran-centered programs and its impressive growth in both in-person and online enrollments set a high standard for others to follow. As universities seek to enhance their online offerings, N.C. A&T's success offers valuable lessons: embrace innovation, invest in faculty and staff training, and maintain a commitment to quality education.

Skoobuzz sees this growth as a testament of hard work and dedication and believes that the university will continue to drive growth, innovation, and accessibility in higher education.