Best LVN / LPN To BSN Bridge Programs Online [Accredited]
Many practical nurses want to know if there are LPN to BSN programs near them.
Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses, also known as LPNs and LVNs, are common entry-level positions in the nursing profession.
LPN / LVN To BSN Online Programs
It takes only 12 to 18 months to complete the clinical portion of the LPN nursing program in several states, and some hospitals offer this program for free.
This training is often in exchange for a certain number of years of service at the hospital (research shows that the average time is between two and three years at each hospital).
Top Accredited LPN To BSN Programs Near Me
Many Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) have decided to continue their education because of the growing demand for BSN-trained nurses.
Many programs can be completed in as little as a year, allowing nurses to work in various settings and earn significantly more money.
1. Kent State University
Kent, Ohio, is home to Kent State University. One of the largest nursing schools in the country was established in 1967.
By practicing in the Simulation Lab, nursing students are better prepared for their clinical rotations and have a greater chance of succeeding.
Admission requirements include a clean LPN license with an Overall 2.75 GPA. I am completing all core courses (LPN/LVN school) and all prerequisite nursing courses.
2. West Coast University
Miami, Florida, is home to the West Coast University. Due to the rolling start policy, you can begin classes anytime during the year. Students can take courses at night and on the weekends.
The Simulation Center is equipped with cutting-edge technology and allows students to learn essential skills before they are ever put in a situation like this in real life.
Adult, pediatric, psychiatric, and obstetric patients can all be “worked” in the various simulation rooms.
This gives the students an advantage and a sense of self-assurance that they can succeed.
3. Nazareth College
Nazareth College is located in Rochester, NY. Sisters of St. Joseph founded it in 1924.
The school relocated the nursing programs at Nazareth College York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute in 2015 to allow students to receive hands-on training in a state-of-the-art healthcare facility.
A valid LPN/LVN license and a minimum GPA of 2.75 from an LPN/LVN program are required for admission.
Following a personal interview, Nazareth College creates a unique set of admission requirements for each student.
The cost per credit hour is $782. (Numerous grants and scholarships are available, as well as financial aid) and the program length is 120 credits.
4. Pacific Lutheran University
University of Pacific Lutheran Tacoma, Washington, is home to this nursing school. The pioneers from Norway established it in 1890. About 3,000 students attend PLU, a medium-sized college or university.
The institution welcomes students of all religions and encourages them to practice their faith daily to help them cope with the challenges of academic life.
In the News and Reports rankings, PLU was ranked in the top 20 schools in the West and fourth in the best schools for veterans.
Students must have a valid LPN/LVN license to be considered for admission. All LPN/LVN program students must earn a grade of C or better.
Pass a national board exam to become a registered nurse. Classes for LPNs and LVNs should not be older than three years.
At least 700 hours of work experience is required for students.
Tuition is $41,696. (Military, veteran, women’s programs, and other types of financial aid are all available.)
5. Davenport University
You can earn your LPN/LVN and BSN at Davenport University in the same institution.
Many students choose to begin their nursing career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) for various reasons, including the need to work while attending school, a desire to work with people or a combination of the two.
Students who have completed their LPN/LVN training at Davenport University or another college can apply for a BSN.
A personal essay, two professional references, and a GPA of at least 3.0 are required (preferably from college professors). You must also pass the TEAS exam.
Tuition is $18,360.
6. St. Olaf College
Founded by a group of pastors, farmers, and businessmen in 1874, St. Olaf is one of the oldest private colleges in the country. There has been a steady increase in the student body since the school’s founding in 1874.
There are currently 3,040 students enrolled on this campus. About 750 acres of land are used for various natural purposes, including the college, wetland, prairie, and wooded areas.
There is an affiliation between St. Olaf College and the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
A valid LPN/LVN license and a GPA of 2.7 are required for admission, maintaining a GPA of 3.0. Additionally, students must pass the TEAS exam. Tuition is $47,840
7. Walla Walla University/College
The Seventh Day Adventist Higher Education is affiliated with this College Place, WA, nursing school at the University of Walla Walla Walla. US News and World Report named us one of the best regional universities in the country for 2018.
Admission: A current, clean LPN/LVN license is required. All LPN/LVN program students must earn a grade of C or better. Classes in science older than five years are not eligible for transfer.
At least a 2.9 GPA overall. With a grade of at least C in all non-nursing prerequisites. Standardized nursing examinations are required for students.
Students must show evidence of recent LPN/LVN work experience for admission.
The annual tuition is $9,040, and the total number of credits in the program is 120.
8. VCU School of Nursing
Richmond, Virginia, is home to the VCU School of Nursing.
VCU was founded in 1893, and its nurses adhered to the Florence Nightingale nursing method, which dates back to the late 19th century.
The university even has a small museum showcasing old-school gear and memorabilia.
It has an average student body of 900. Students at VCU have access to one of the East Coast’s most advanced clinical simulation centers, where they learn a wide range of skills before and during their clinical hours.
A current, clean LPN/LVN license is required for admission—an overall GPA of 3.0 and a minimum ‘B’ grade in all nursing courses. A minimum of two years of work experience is required.
The program’s total cost is $21,765, with a time commitment of 19 months.
9. Berkeley College of School of Health Studies
An LPN to BSN program is available only at Berkeley College School of Health Studies, New Jersey.
Even though getting into this program is more complicated than other options, the benefits of graduating from an established and reputable institution outweigh the challenges.
Faster job offers at higher salaries are the result of these advantages.
A valid LPN license is one of the prerequisites for admission. The HESI Admissions Exam must be passed by all applicants (which could be taken twice). A minimum of 2,080 hours of work as an LPN in the last two years, as a letter of recommendation, are also required.
10. Madonna University
Livonia, Michigan, is home to Madonna University. About 4,500 students are enrolled at this Catholic university. Mother Mary DeSales Tocka founded the order in 1937.
A competitive LPN to BSN program at Madonna University allows students to challenge specific courses to receive full credit if they pass the exam.
LPN/LVN licensure is required for admission. A TEAS exam score of at least 85% or one year of full-time work experience. A grade point average of 2.8.
All non-nursing courses are completed and passed with at least a ‘C.’ The program’s cost is $ 20,700, and it lasts between 16 and 18 months.
11. Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
The LPN/LVN-to-BSN program at IUPUI is convenient. Licensed practical and vocational nurses can complete the online agenda without traveling to campus.
Students can conduct clinical experiences in their communities. You may transfer up to ninety credits from another institution. IUPUI requires students to complete a minimum of 30 credits.
Completing an LPN/LVN curriculum, a valid license and a 2.25 GPA are all prerequisites for admission. Each credit costs $438 intuition.
12. Excelsior College
Excelsior College, formerly Regents College, is a for-profit institution specializing in online education.
Excelsior College offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing to licensed practical and vocational nurses and a master’s degree in nursing.
There are 60 general education credits and 61 nursing credits in the 121-credit LPN-to-BSN degree program.
A practical nursing program, a valid LPN license, at least 200 hours of work experience, and the TEAS exam are required for admission. A 48-month time commitment is required.
Fees: $510 for each course.
13. Wilson College
Women’s College Wilson was a Presbyterian-sponsored institution until 2012. An accelerated LPN-to-BSN program is one of the 29 undergraduate programs offered by the school.
The program is geared toward working LPNs, and most classes are online.
Combining hospital and simulation experiences with a low-residency program allows distance learners to complete clinical experiences.
An LPN license, completion of a practical nursing program, and passing the TEAS exam are all prerequisites for admission. Semesterly tuition is set at $26,800 (USD).
14. Kent State University at Geauga
The LPN-to-BSN online program at ISU can help working professionals advance their careers and prepare for graduate school. At their own pace, students can complete the online course material.
Students must complete 450 clinical hours and six nursing courses before graduating from the program.
ISU’s job is to assist students in searching for approved clinical sites in their region.
Admissions requirements include a valid LPN license, a 2.75 GPA, and a practical nursing program completion. The cost of one credit is $438.
15. Presentation College
PC, a private Catholic university founded in 1951, offers a variety of options for obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
A 121-credit online LPN-to-BSN program is available. Students in their second year must spend a weekend at the Aberdeen campus to complete a clinical experience.
For clinical placements, distance learners should expect to travel.
The following criteria must be met to be admitted: Completion of a practical nursing program; a valid LPN license; a minimum 2.0 GPA; and residency in one of the following states: South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, or Wisconsin are all requirements.
For each credit, the cost of tuition is $555
16. Kent State University at Trumbull
Through KSU’s regional campuses, students can earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing while working full-time.
Students already licensed as LPNs or allied health professionals who wish to pursue a BSN can apply to this program.
Classroom instruction is supplemented by laboratory work in this program. Students must work in local hospitals and healthcare facilities for their studies.
Admission to An LPN license, completion of a practical nursing program, and a minimum GPA of 2.75 are all prerequisites.
The cost of each credit is $535. Thirty-nine months is the minimum commitment required.
17. University of Arkansas
LPN-to-BSN students at the University of Arizona can earn their bachelor’s degree in 2 to 3 years by completing their online program.
The average length of an online nursing degree program is eight weeks. Seven clinical courses are required for the 120-credit degree.
The majority of clinical hours are completed at sites that have been approved by the college or university where the student is enrolled.
A practical nursing diploma, a current LPN license, a minimum GPA of 2.0, and at least 2,000 clinical hours as a licensed LPN in the previous 12-24 months are prerequisites for admission.
There is a 24-month minimum commitment. The cost of each credit is $302.
18. Kent State University at Salem
To meet the demands of working healthcare professionals, KSU offers a BSN bridge program for LPNs and allied health professionals. Learners move through the curriculum in groups of three or four.
KSU offers classes during the day, at night, on weekends, and only on weekends.
Each track begins and ends at different times. Almost all courses are offered in both online and classroom formats to suit the needs of students.
An LPN license, completion of a practical nursing program, and a 2.75 GPA are all required for admission to the program. A Time Commitment of 39 Months Is Required.
The cost of each credit is $535.
19. Armstrong State University
ASU is located on the Armstrong campus of Savannah, GA. MSNBC’s website selected this program among the best of 2018’s programs.
A current, clean LPN/LVN license is required for admission.
To be considered for admission, students must score at least a “C+” on the HESI admission assessment and complete 24 hours of prerequisite coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.7.
The cost of each credit is $177.67. 28+ months is the length of the program or credits.
20. College of Education, Health & Human Services
San Marcos, California, is home to the College of Education, Health & Human Services – San Marcos.
There are 23 campuses in California where you can find the university. Several nursing organizations highly recommend LPN for BSN programs.
FOR ADMISSION, an LPN/LVN license in good standing and a 2.0 GPA from an LPN/LVN school is required. GPA of 2.75 in science courses at LPN/LVN school.
Documentation proving successful completion of IV certification requirements.
In the running for the position, you only need to pass the assessment of LPN/LVN nursing skills Residents of California pay $29,459/program in tuition costs (Financial aid, grants, scholarships, military and veteran programs available).
Credits or the duration of the course is 33 months.
20 Best Accredited LPN To BSN Bridge Programs Online
Leading nursing organizations, including the Institute of Medicine Committee on the Future of Nursing and the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice, propose that healthcare institutions expand hiring BSN-level nurses.
Research shows patients’ outcomes are better when nurses have at least a bachelor’s degree.
BSN-educated nurses enjoy better work possibilities, professional growth opportunities, and higher compensation because of these results.
Online LVN / LPN To BSN Programs
We’ve made it easy for you to uncover more online options for your BSN degree!
We compiled a list of colleges offering LPN-BSN Bridgeway programs, including a substantial online education.
Some programs allow students who have already completed an associate’s degree to obtain bachelor’s credit while simultaneously meeting their associate’s degree requirements online.
The results are here! Here is all about accelerated LPN to BSN online.
Best Online LPN to BSN Programs
1. Indiana State University
Indiana State University, founded in 1865, offers over 100 undergraduate majors, 75 graduate degrees, and 70 online programs.
With its distance learning baccalaureate nursing program, students can achieve their BSN while working as licensed practical nurses.
No campus residence is necessary, and students can complete the 495 required clinical hours in their communities.
Students can finish the full-time program for two to three years, depending on transfer credits and the number of classes taken each term. Students can also take a nine-semester part-time path to degree completion.
To become registered nurses, LPN-to-BSN online students can apply for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) through the Indiana Board of Nursing.
Preliminaries include a 2.75 GPA in nursing prerequisites and a state-accredited practical nursing school degree. An online admissions test is also required.
The tuition at Indiana state university is $316/credit, the school graduation rate is 40%, and the NCLEX-RN pass rate is 86.5%.
2. North Dakota State University
North Dakota State University, whose main campus is Fargo, offers more than two-dozen online and hybrid learning options.
Its nursing school provides an online LPN-to-BSN program for practical nurses who desire a bachelor’s degree to become registered nurses.
A total of 120 credits are required for the program’s six semesters. Students must attend classes on campus in the summer months and participate in the Fargo/Moorhead area clinical practice.
The typical semester load for college students is between six and nine credits.
The nursing placement exam is the initial stage in the admissions process. An associate degree in nursing, an associate of applied science degree, or an associate of arts or science degree is required for applicants.
A 2.75 overall GPA and a 3.0 GPA in nursing courses are also required for admission.
The North Dakota state university tuition is $305/credit, the school graduation rate is 56.1%, and the NCLEX-RN pass rate is 92.59%.
3. University of Oklahoma
The primary nursing program in Oklahoma is housed at the University of Oklahoma, founded in 1911.
The Oklahoma City, Lawton, and Tulsa campuses of the School of Nursing provide bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in nursing.
Licensed practical nurses seeking RN licensure can earn a bachelor’s degree through an LPN-to-BSN online program that uses a hybrid delivery method.
Furthermore, monthly in-person classes on Saturdays and clinical rotations at several Oklahoma sites are required. Attendance is required on weekdays for clinical courses.
As a result of advanced standing examinations and program coursework, the nursing curriculum consists of 60 credits. Part-time and full-time options are available for students who can begin their studies in the fall or spring, depending on their preference.
To be considered for admission, an applicant must pass the National League for Nursing entrance exam and show proof of one year or 1,000 hours of LPN work experience.
Tuition at the University of Oklahoma is $160/credit, with a graduation rate of 92.5% and an NCLEX-RN rate of 93.97%.
4. Presentation College
Nursing programs have been offered at Presentation College since 1968 and are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
It is the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses that the LPN-to-BSN online program is designed to prepare for.
Students get convenient, round-the-clock web access thanks to the online program’s asynchronous delivery mechanism. Unlike other LPN-BSN programs, students at Presentation College receive hands-on instruction throughout the degree by taking theory and clinical courses concurrently.
Students can perform clinical rotations near home because of the program’s clinical connections.
An active, unencumbered LPN license and a two-year, state-approved practical nursing degree with a minimum 2.7 GPA are required for admission.
Applicants for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) must additionally demonstrate 1,000 hours of LPN work experience, complete all prerequisite courses, and pass the National League for Nursing examinations.
5. University of Arkansas
No on-campus visits are required for the University of Arkansas’ online LPN to BSN program.
Students choose between a six- or eight-semester course of study, totaling 120 credits. Academic courses are typically eight weeks, while practical courses last the entire semester.
Programs can begin in the fall and spring. Prerequisites include a current LPN or LVN license in good standing and completing several courses.
This includes courses in older adult nursing, informatics for nurses, health promotion across the lifespan, child and family nursing, and pediatric and critical care nursing.
The tuition fee at the University of Arkansas is $267/credit, with a graduation rate of 41.1% and an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 91.1%.
6. Kent State University
One of the most flexible academic programs for practical nurses who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree and become registered nurses may be found at Kent State University (KSU).
The curriculum is meticulously planned to ensure students are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam. This is reflected in the impressive statistics, which show a 90% success rate.
There are 120 credit hours in the LPN to BSN program at KSU, 57 of which are prerequisites. The Commission accredits it on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Practical nursing students at KSU can work as LPNs as they complete their degrees through various cohort tracks offered by KSU that provide maximum flexibility.
The LPN to BSN curriculum is divided into Phase I and Phase II.
Students complete their required and fundamental nursing courses in their first education phase. You can meet many of the techniques in this phase entirely online.
The majority of the nursing curriculum is introduced in the second phase.
Students can now select from three different cohorts. One semester is all it takes for the Daytime cohort to finish; however, it needs an additional semester for the Summa and Cleveland cohorts.
The Summa and Cleveland cohorts allow students to attend classes on nights and weekends, although all three cohorts require in-person attendance.
Students in each of the three cohorts must commit to full-time attendance.
7. University of Akron
As its name suggests, the University of Akron is in Akron, Ohio.
In 1967, it opened Mary Gladwin Hall, its nursing school, on 218 acres with over 80 structures. A full-time, 128-credit LPN to BSN program is offered in the spring.
The tuition fee at the University of Akron is $359/credit, the graduation rate is 45.3%, and the NCLEX-RN Pass Rate is 86.2%.
8. Oklahoma Baptist University
Oklahoma Baptist University is located in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
The Baptist Convention founded it in 1910, and it now has 46 buildings and 226 acres. LPN to BSN students can enroll in their program, consisting of 130 credits, regardless of religious affiliation.
The tuition at Oklahoma Baptist University is $778/credit, with a graduation Rate of 50.7% and an NCLEX-RN Pass Rate of 92%.
9. Pacific Lutheran University
The Parkland District of Tacoma, Washington, is home to Pacific Lutheran University. Since its establishment by Norwegian pioneers in 1890, it has produced 100 Fulbright Scholars.
Students can earn an LPN-BSN bridge degree for five semesters or less than three years, consisting of 122 education and clinical work credits.
The tuition at Pacific Lutheran University is $1261/credit, the graduation rate is 68%, and the NCLEX-RN pass rate is 96.15.
10. University of Mary
While most of the coursework for the University of Mary’s LPN to BSN program is completed online, students will be expected to spend at least 23 days on campus during residency.
The residency is held on the Bismarck State College main campus. North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota residents are eligible to attend.
The tuition at the University of Mary is $550/credit, the Graduation Rate: is 58.1%, and the NCLEX-RN pass rate is 92.59%.
11. Northwestern State University of Louisiana – Monroe
The Northwestern State University of Louisiana is located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, a historically Creole town.
At this four-year public University, the first baccalaureate nursing program was established in Louisiana in 1884. It now has a 120-credit LPN-BSN curriculum.
The Northwestern State University of Louisiana tuition is $216, with a graduation rate of 42.7% and an NCLEX-RN Pass Rate of 100%.
12. Nicholls State University
Nicholls State University is located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, on 287 acres.
NSU was founded in 1948 and was granted university status in 1970. Their 120-credit LPN-BSN program is located in the heart of Cajun country, 50 miles west of New Orleans, on the Mississippi River delta.
The per-credit tuition at Nicholls state university is $331.33. The graduation rate is 41.1%, and the NCLEX-RN pass rate is 95%.
13. Georgia Southern University
While Georgia Southern University’s main campus is in Statesboro, the LPN-BSN program is offered at the University’s Armstrong Campus in Savannah, Georgia.
It began as the First District A&M School in 1908 and expanded until 1929, when it became a teacher’s college. In 1935, it was transformed into what it is today — a 268-acre “arboretum” complex.
According to The Princeton Review, GSU is one of the most environmentally conscious campuses in the country.
The tuition fee at Georgia southern university is $174.20/credit, the graduation rate is 51.3%, and the NCLEX-RN Pass Rate is 98%.
14. McNeese State University
McNeese State University was founded in 1939 in scenic Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Nursing students learn more like a community campus, with a 121-acre main campus, 800 acres of farm research property, a 65-acre athletic complex, and a 499-acre McNeese Farm.
Their 120-credit LPN-BSN curriculum is marketed under “Excellence with a Personal Touch.”
The per-credit tuition is $264.48, the graduation rate is 41.2%, and the NCLEX-RN pass rate is 97.2%.
15. West Coast University-Orange County (Tie)
West Coast University’s Orange County, California, campus is located in Anaheim and features a four-story campus with a central atrium that spans all four levels.
Their LPN-BSN program includes 500 clinical partners nationwide and begins every ten weeks. It has the highest tuition per credit of any school on our list.
West Coast University-Orange County is $1890 per credit tuition. The graduation rate is 57.3%, and the NCLEX-RN pass rate is 93.69%.
16. The University of Arkansas at Monticello
As the name implies, the University of Arkansas at Monticello is located in the Arkansas town of Monticello. Like many other Arkansas universities, it began in 1909 as the Fourth District Agricultural School.
Today, it has two additional campuses totaling more than 1600 acres and around 80 buildings. The LPN-BSN curriculum consists of 120 courses spread over nine semesters.
Per Credit, Tuition is $155, the graduation rate is 33.6%, and the NCLEX-RN Pass Rate is 87.1%.
17. Azusa Pacific University
Students enrolled in an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at Azusa Pacific University can pursue BSN credits concurrently.
Known as The Bridge to BSN, this program enables California’s Licensed Vocational Nurses to complete their road to a BSN in less time than traditional ways.
APU is a private evangelical Christian college well-suited for students who appreciate a Christian-based education.
The Per Credit Tuition at Azusa Pacific University is $1539. The graduation rate is 67.2%, and the NCLEX-RN Pass Rate is 87.18%.
18. University of Northern Colorado
The University of Northern Colorado’s Dual Enrollment BSN program is open to LPNs, and other students currently enrolled in an associate’s-level nursing degree and plan to pursue a BSN.
This strategy allows students to complete their BSN degree in less than two years. Distance learners in the state of Colorado will benefit significantly from this curriculum.
The tuition fee is $4,829 per semester.
19. University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky provides an LPN-BSN program entirely online.
This program is created with Kentucky residents, as all clinics and laboratories are held on the University of Kentucky’s Lexington campus.
A valid LPN license and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 are required for admission. Additional prerequisite courses may be required. The Tuition at the University of Kentucky is $7,284 per semester.
20. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing
The Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center were founded in 1911. It is the most extensive nursing program in the state of Oklahoma.
The College of Nursing offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in nursing and an LPN to BSN conversion program.
Like many other online LPN to BSN programs, the curriculum is delivered in a hybrid manner. Unlike many other hybrid programs, however, students must attend in-person class sessions once a month on a Saturday.
Other aspects of the program are adaptable, including three campus sites in Lawton, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City and two start dates (spring and fall).
Three tracks allow students to complete the program in two semesters (approximately nine months), three semesters, or two years, providing additional flexibility for busy students.
The exact time required for completion will vary depending on the student’s enrollment status (full-time or part-time) and start date.
The program includes 127 credits, 60 unique to the LPN to BSN curriculum.
However, because the University of Oklahoma provides easy credit transfer, most entering LPN students should not be required to complete all 127 credits to graduate.
You’ll be part of a cohort of experienced nurses at this school; new students must have at least 1,000 hours and one year of practical nursing experience and pass four National League for Nursing challenge tests.
Conclusion
Nurses are in great demand because of the aging population. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can get a BSN online through an LPN-to-BSN program at a fantastic time.
A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) might lead to a higher salary and additional job prospects.
There are various ways to pay for an online LPN-to-BSN program, including scholarships, grants, and loans, so keep reading to learn more.
We utilize a data-driven methodology to rank the finest online LPN-to-BSN schools so that you can pick a program that works for you.
Students value academic quality, cost, reputation, and a variety of degree options, so we developed our system around these considerations.
We analyzed and ranked each college and university based on various factors. The NCLEX-RN pass rate, tuition, acceptance rate, and graduation rate were all included in this analysis.
Ultimately, the NCLEX-RN pass rate was the most critical factor in determining the ranking of each college/university, while other factors played a role.