The University of Missouri–St. Louis’ online Bachelor of Liberal Studies program is among the best in the nation at giving students more for their money, according to the Best Value Schools website.

The site ranked UMSL 14th on its list of best – and most affordable – online liberal studies programs in the nation, based on a grading scale that takes program popularity, affordability and overall strength into account.

Best Value Schools cited UMSL’s 150 distance learning courses, from general education to upper-level classes, as avenues through which liberal studies majors can gain an eclectic education on their way to a degree.

“Plus, you’ll get to pick from nearly a dozen different ‘areas of concentration,’ which cover everything from advertising and criminology to media studies and sociology,” the site explained. “And if you happen to live locally, you can also take advantage of in-person classes offered at a variety of area community colleges.”

UMSL has partnerships with Jefferson College, Mineral Area College, St. Charles Community College and St. Louis Community College-South County to offer in-seat courses that count toward the Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree.

“It’s a terrific option for many of our returning adult learners because of its flexibility,” said Kathleen Burns, director of UMSL Now and the university’s Advanced Credit Program. “Frequently, returning adult students will be able to graduate more quickly with the Bachelor of Liberal Studies because they are able to apply their previous college credits in a more customizable way.”