William Peace University, (http://www.peace.edu/) a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, is proud to announce that it is ranked among the best online colleges in North Carolina, according to a 2015 study commissioned by Affordable Colleges Online (ACO), an independent organization dedicated to online learning and college affordability. Peace ranked No. 13 on the ACO’s list, and was commended for its flexibility in course offerings, financial aid awarded, and affordability.

WPU first introduced evening classes in 2009, and in 2011 and 2012, added online and Saturday classes as part of its School of Professional Studies (SPS), a bachelor’s degree program geared toward working adults wanting to further their education and careers. Since being introduced and driven by current WPU President, Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., the program has seen a steady growth in enrollment and popularity among adult and transfer students, primarily due to SPS and its flexible course offerings and affordability. The University prides itself on innovative and up-to-date curriculum and course work, having added more than a dozen majors, minors, and concentrations, all taught through a variety of different ways, within the last five years.

"As online classes become more prevalent, it is important to acknowledge the colleges and universities that go above and beyond,” said Dan Schuessler, founder and CEO of Affordable Colleges Online. "Our goal is to highlight these schools and their commitment to higher education."

“We are extremely thrilled to be recognized, once again, as one of the better institutions not only in North Carolina, but the southeast and beyond,” Townsley said. “We are currently ranked No. 1 nationally for student internships, and we have consistently been named among the best schools in the nation for student-faculty interaction. We believe that every student should have access to a quality, affordable, and now, flexible, education.”

To view the ACO’s rankings, or for more information on the organization, visit: http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/online-colleges/north-carolina/