As distance learning rises, the rankings offer insight into top programs across the country.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in education rankings, today released the 2024 Best Online Programs rankings. Designed for individuals looking to complete or pursue their academic goals, the rankings evaluate more than 1,600 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at regionally accredited institutions.
“Choosing the right online degree program can unlock a world of opportunities,” says LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News. “As distance learning continues to rise, the rankings and related resources U.S. News offers will help equip students with data to make choices that align with their unique needs, paving the way for educational and professional fulfillment.”
The rankings focus solely on degree-granting programs that are offered online, including several master-level disciplines: MBA, business (non-MBA), engineering, information technology (including computer science), criminal justice, education and nursing.
The methodologies are different for each discipline, but all incorporate metrics assessing how well these programs are designed for distance learners, and their effectiveness at awarding affordable degrees in a reasonable timeframe. This includes traditional college-age students, working parents, military service members, as well as established professionals and lifelong learners.
2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs
BACHELOR’S PROGRAMS
1. University at Buffalo – SUNY
2. University of Florida
3. University of Illinois – Chicago
1. Indiana University – Bloomington
2. Carnegie Mellon University
3. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (tie)
3. University of Southern California (tie)
3. University of Washington (tie)
Business, non-MBA
1. Carnegie Mellon University
2. University of Southern California
3. Arizona State University
Information Technology
1. Columbia University (tie)
1. Johns Hopkins University (tie)
3. Virginia Tech
Criminal Justice/Criminology
1. University of California – Irvine
2. University of New Haven
3. Boston University (tie)
3. Texas Christian University (tie)
3. University of Massachusetts – Lowell (tie)
Education
1. Clemson University
2. University of Florida (tie)
2. University of Virginia (tie)
Engineering
1. University of California – Los Angeles
2. University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign
3. Pennsylvania State University (tie)
3. Purdue University – Main Campus (tie)
Nursing
1. University of South Carolina
2. Indiana University-Purdue University – Indianapolis
3. Saint Xavier University
In addition to the rankings, U.S. News offers resources including the Online College Compare tool for researching and comparing distance education programs. U.S. News also publishes year-round editorial content. Newly published content includes “Affordable Online Colleges for Out-of-State Students,” “What You’ll Pay for an Online Bachelor’s Degree,” and “Decide Between Full-Time, Part-Time Online Degree.”
On Feb. 21, U.S. News will host a free webinar about this year’s edition of Best Online Programs. The lead strategists behind the rankings will explain how the data are collected, analyzed, factored into ranking calculations and incorporated into search tools. Those interested in attending can register here.
The Best Online Programs rankings serve a broader U.S. News mission of providing trusted information and rankings – such as Best High Schools, Best Colleges and Best Global Universities – to help students explore their education options. For more information on the rankings, visit Best Online Programs and share the rankings using #BestOnline on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
SOURCE U.S. News & World Report, L.P.
