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A leader in higher education information, resources, and rankings has recognized Columbus Technical College for offering one of the best online learning environments in the county. "In our seventh annual survey of online learning programs across the nation, we wanted to honor the colleges and universities that are providing innovative ways for students to complete a degree," said Dan Schuessler, CEO and Founder of AffordableCollegesOnline.org. "These schools are going above and beyond the industry standard to help make online education programs more accessible and affordable." Only accredited, public, not-for-profit institutions with at least one online program were eligible for placement in these rankings. The primary data points used to identify the best online colleges and programs for 2018 include the following:

▪ Acceptance rates

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▪ Cost of tuition

▪ Degrees awarded

▪ Graduation rates

An in-depth look at Columbus Technical College’s top rankings among other two-year colleges and the detailed methodology can be seen here:

▪ #10 Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs - https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/degrees/education-and-teaching-programs/early-childhood-education/#2-year-best-college-ranking

▪ #18 Best Online Legal Studies Programs - https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/degrees/best-online-bachelors-in-legal-studies-programs/#2-year-best-college-ranking

▪ #38 Best Online Business Programs - https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/degrees/business-management-programs/#2-year-best-college-ranking

AffordableCollegesOnline.org (http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/) began in 2012 to provide quality data and information about pursuing an affordable higher education. Its free community resource materials and tools span topics such as financial aid and college savings, opportunities for veterans and people with disabilities, and online learning resources. They feature higher education institutions that have developed online learning environments that include highly trained faculty, new technology and resources, and online support services to help students achieve educational and career success.

Children and families in the Columbus area will have a chance to exchange Halloween candy for toys and send deployed U.S. troops, veterans and first responders a “sweet” reminder this holiday season that they are appreciated for their service during Operation Troop Treats, an annual candy exchange hosted by Kool Smiles in partnership with Operation Gratitude. Now through Saturday, children and families are encouraged to visit the Kool Smiles dental office to exchange their Halloween candy for toys: Kool Smiles Columbus – 4519 Woodruff Rd., Unit 10. All area families are invited to participate and candy can be donated any time during regular office hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday). All donated candy will be sent in care packages to U.S. service members stationed overseas and area veterans and first responders via Operation Gratitude. In addition to the candy shipment, Kool Smiles dentists will donate 200 dental care kits and the funds to cover the assembly and shipment of 200 Operation Gratitude care packages filled with letters of appreciation, food, entertainment and hygiene items, and other sweet reminders of home. Operation Gratitude is a 501(c)(3), volunteer-based organization that annually produces more than 200,000 care packages for U.S. Service Members deployed in harm's way, their children, Wounded Heroes, Veterans, New Recruits and First Responders. For more information, visit www.operationtrooptreats.com.