In a nationwide survey by U.S. News & World Report on best online programs for veterans, Fort Hays State University ranked ninth for the best bachelor's degree programs.

The 153 bachelor's and master's degree programs surveyed were in education, nursing, engineering and business and are certified for two federal initiatives that help veterans reduce the cost of school -- the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program.

These institutions have also pledged to consider granting academic credit for military training and offer flexibility for distance learners taking courses at several schools.

In order to qualify for the rankings, the programs had to be 100-percent online and numerically ranked in the broader U.S. News 2013 Best Online Education Programs rankings.

For a complete listing of the rankings, visit http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/veteran-rankings?int=ec58cd