Two Kane County universities — Aurora University and Judson University in Elgin — have landed on the “Best Online Colleges in Illinois” list for 2017, according to the TheBestColleges.org website.

AU ranks No. 13 and Judson ranks No. 15 on the list of 20 schools.

Schools on this list were ranked based on admission rates, student loan default rates, retention rates, graduation rates and by the percent of students enrolled in online classes.

Here’s what The Best Colleges says about the two Kane County schools’ online programs:

No. 13: Aurora University

• Admissions Rate 77%
• Default Rate 7%
• Retention Rate 70%
• Graduation Rate 56%
• Online Enrollment 8%

With only 5,500 students enrolled at its three campuses, this private university offers all the benefits of a small school, even to its online students.

Low student-to-faculty ratios and individual attention mean that those earning a bachelor’s degree online will receive the highest quality education.

Designed with adult professionals in mind, Aurora’s web-based undergraduate degree offerings include unique options such as gender studies and nonprofit leadership studies. While most of the programs require a certain number of transfer credits, many offer course credit for work experience, military service, or other training in areas relevant to the student’s major.

Tuition for adult degree completion programs is considerably less than that of traditional undergraduate degrees, and online students can take advantage of Aurora’s interest-free monthly payment plan option.

No. 15 Judson University

Best known for hosting the annual World Leaders Forum at its Elgin campus, this Christian university has been visited by figures such as Tony Blair and Condoleezza Rice.

Judson prides itself in campus wide commitment to sustainability, evangelical values, and academic quality, and its online education programs are an extension of that pledge. Each of four available undergraduate degrees and three master’s degrees are intended to prepare students for careers in psychology, ministry, and business.

All are presented in a cohort format and can be completed in 45 to 50 credit hours. Students may choose additional concentrations within each major. Graduation requirements vary according to program and may include a portfolio or capstone course. Business majors have the option of completing an internship at a local business or organization.

SOURCE: TheBestColleges.org website