Lincoln Trail College Recognized As Having Top Associate in General Studies Degree Program

Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for program rankings and higher education planning, awarded Lincoln Trail College another top national ranking. LTC was ranked number one in their Best Online Associate in General Studies Degree Programs of 2024. This comes on the heels of LTC earning their number 8 ranking in the Best Community Colleges of 2024 and number 6 as the Best Community Colleges in Illinois.
 
“Receiving the number one ranking from Intelligent is a tremendous honor and a testament to the emphasis that Lincoln Trail College is putting on all online courses and programs,” said LTC President and Vice-Chancellor of Institutional Outreach Tona Ambrose. “We have seen a dramatic change in education since the pandemic, and a significant rise in the number of courses we deliver online. This ranking gives evidence to the fact that the course design, educational content, and student learning outcomes have remained the highest priority and highlights Lincoln Trail College's adaptability and resilience in responding to these changes.”
 
Intelligent.com's institutional rankings, which are set apart from other conventional ratings, are deemed the benchmark of academic evaluations for online and hybrid programs. An exclusive methodology is used to rank each institution on a scale from 0 to 100 across six categories. Evaluations are based on quantitative measures such as academic quality, graduation rate, cost and ROI, and student resources. With top picks that are highly regarded, affordable, and offer the tools and resources students need to successfully graduate and excel in their fields.
 
Lincoln Trail College earned an Intelligent Score of 99.16 and was the only college in Illinois to earn a spot on the list of 39 colleges.  
 
“I believe that this is an affirmation that our goals, initiatives, and commitment to the IECC mission are being achieved,” said Ambrose. “This ranking in online education implies that Lincoln Trail College is effectively meeting the needs and expectations of online learners and suggests a student-centered approach that prioritizes accessible, engaging, and effective online learning experiences. The way that this happens is via the dedicated faculty and staff who work together towards these common goals. Our faculty members are not just educators; they are mentors and partners in the educational journey of every student. Their passion for teaching, expertise in their respective fields, and dedication to student success have played a pivotal role in earning this recognition.”
 
Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides that include the best degree programs and information about financial aid, internships, and even study strategies. Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students with comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings.
 
Ambrose believes that this recognition should show prospective students that LTC is an excellent choice. “This speaks volumes to the quality of education that students can expect here. LTC is committed to helping all students, both traditional and non-traditional, and whether students are looking for programs within our Career and Technical Educational programs or taking general education courses to prepare to transfer on to a four-year university, our Student Services staff is ready to help. Choosing Lincoln Trail College means choosing a path to success.”
 
She says that the rankings will also help motivate the College to continue striving for success. “Our goal is to meet the needs of students where they are at and we will move forward from here with ongoing efforts to enhance both traditional and online education and maintain the high standards that led to this recognition.”