29 of Top 30 Ranked Institutions are UPCEA Members

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 10, 2023) — UPCEA, the association for college and university leaders in online and professional continuing education, is pleased to congratulate the many UPCEA members recognized in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings.

U.S. News rankings include more than 1,800 online programs, covering bachelor’s and graduate programs across a variety of fields. The U.S. News rankings focus on degree-granting programs designed to be completely online. Using information provided by participating institutions, the ranking methodologies include factors such as student services and technology, student engagement, and faculty credentials.

“Recently, the U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings have been in the news, as many institutional leaders are questioning their value. For Chief Online Learning Officers (COLOs), they serve as a peer set. Knowing how other notable programs are ranked, regardless of methodology, provides leaders the opportunity to identify peers and seek them out,” said Dr. Julie Uranis, Senior Vice President of Online and Strategic Initiatives for UPCEA. “I am immensely proud that UPCEA is seen as both a convener of COLOs and their teams as well as the professional home for innovators in postsecondary online education and non-degree/alternative credentials. Intentionally designed online instruction is the keystone of many institutional strategies to increase access, address degree attainment goals, and provide relevant and career-focused education. This work should be celebrated and the annual U.S. News rankings serve as our reminder to do so.” 

“We are very pleased to be recognized by U.S. News again this year among the country’s top online programs. These high rankings are evidence of the excellence and hard work displayed by our academic partners, faculty, staff, and students,” said Dr. Dave Cillay, Washington State University Global Campus chancellor and UPCEA Board President-elect.  “We are extremely proud of the work we are doing to provide engaging, flexible and high quality learning opportunities for students in Washington state and across the globe.”

“There are now hundreds of choices of online bachelor’s programs across the United States, and to be among colleagues near the top is excellent any year,” said Dr. Evangeline Cummings, Senior Assistant Provost and Director of UF Online at University of Florida. “Let the incredible work for student access via agile, yet high-quality formats continue! The University of Florida is thrilled to be a part of it.”

Twenty-nine of the top 30 ranked institutions are members of UPCEA:

1 – University of Florida

2 – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

4 – Texas A&M University

4 – University of North Carolina, Charlotte

7 – Arizona State University

8 – Oregon State University

8 – University of Central Florida

10 – University of Arizona

11 – CUNY School of Professional Studies

11 – Ohio State University

11 – Utah State University

14 – University of Georgia

15 – George Washington University

16 – University of Massachusetts, Amherst

16 – University of Oklahoma

18 – North Carolina State University

18 – University of North Carolina, Wilmington

18 – Washington State University

21 – Indiana University

21 – Loyola University Chicago

21 – Syracuse University

21 – University of Denver

25 – Ball State University

25 – Pennsylvania State University

25 – University at Buffalo, SUNY

25 – University of Alabama

30 – University of Massachusetts, Lowell

30 – University of Missouri

30 – West Texas A&M University

“We are delighted to rank in the top 10 for the third straight year,” said Dr. Craig Wilson, Vice Provost for Online, Distance and Continuing Education at the University of Arizona. “Our team of dedicated faculty and staff continuously find new ways to provide online students a robust learning experience in and beyond our virtual classrooms.”  

“Our success in the U.S. News & World Report rankings reflects University of Central Florida’s continued commitment to increasing access to high quality degrees for as many learners as possible, because we know that unleashing their potential has a huge positive impact on their lives, as well as on our communities and our nation,” said Dr. Thomas Cavanagh, vice provost for Digital Learning at UCF. “For the past 26 years, we’ve worked hard to pioneer innovations in technology and pedagogy that empower our dedicated faculty to create rigorous, engaging learning environments that improve student’s outcomes — and that’s our greatest measure of success.”

Congratulations to all of the UPCEA members recognized in this year’s rankings! 

“UPCEA member institutions continue to be at the forefront of accessible, high-quality online education for all of today’s learners,” said Dr. Bob Hansen, CEO of UPCEA. “I’m proud to see this hard work recognized by U.S. News & World Report.”