Optimal’s Guide to Online Schools Spotlights Mid as an Affordable Community College with Online Degrees for Uncertain Students

New rankings highlight Mid’s affordable online education options during the global pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted higher education to an unprecedented extent. College campuses are beginning to reopen, but there are still many questions related to uncertain future. Many students are rethinking the traditional model of a brick-and-mortar education and considering the benefits and safety of online degrees.

Community colleges offer affordable, accessible education options for students, and for those who want to begin at home and bypass the unpredictability of what the fall semester may bring, online courses and programs at community colleges provide excellent opportunities. Additionally, online options can eliminate the financial strain of a four-year, on-campus degree at a traditional university, an important consideration as students face an uncertain economy.

To assist students in finding the best option for their individual needs during this time, Optimal (formerly SR Education Group) has released the 2020 Best Online Community College Rankings in their Guide to Online Schools. The rankings include a nationwide best overall community college ranking, as well as 41 individual state rankings.

The methodology for the rankings incorporates many factors important to the success of a community college, including retention rate, graduation rate, and the variety of programs available. Additionally, the rankings weigh the percent of students enrolled in online degrees specifically, as an indicator of the success of the college’s distance education program. These data points were all collected by the National Center of Education Statistics. Optimal researched 550 community colleges, and gave each a score based on these factors. Only schools that scored 70% or higher were included in the rankings. In order to be considered for a ranking list, community colleges need to be regionally accredited and offer at least one fully online associate degree.

Mid Michigan College was ranked #2 in the State of Michigan and offers a number of programs and pathways that can largely be completed online. The College also offers a variety of virtual student support services, like financial aid, registration, and academic support, that provide convenient help from knowledgeable team members using the latest technologies.

Mid offers 10 credentials that can be completed 100% online, and over 30 others that feature a significant portion of online coursework. With nearly 70 pathways that lead to meaningful careers and exciting transfer opportunities, and a number of flexible course delivery methods, Mid is a great place to get started learning remotely. Learn more at midmich.edu/academics/online-learning.

"The entire education system is in an unprecedented time of upheaval and the economy is in rapid decline. Students are scared and are looking for options. Optimal wants to help these students by providing quality, affordable degree options that can be completed entirely online, allowing people to stay safe and close to family," said CEO Sung Rhee. “We understand that many people are facing hardship right now and cannot pay top-dollar for an education. We hope that our resources provide a path forward during this trying time."

For more information about registering for the upcoming fall semester, visit midmich.edu/fall-reg or contact Admissions at admissions@midmich.edu or (989) 386-6661.

For more information about Mid Michigan College’s response to the COVID-19 risk, visit midmich.edu/covid19.

About Optimal™

Optimal helps prospective students make informed, data-driven decisions to improve their collegiate experience and their post-college careers. The company provides over 85,000 in-depth student reviews and college rankings for every major based on alumni salaries and manually researched tuitions. Optimal’s tools and services provide accessible and transparent financial data regarding cost and earning potential that give students educational paths that lead them to success, without burdening them with insurmountable debt.