Nineteen of the twenty-three Top 20 Ranked Institutions are UPCEA Members

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 5, 2026) — UPCEA, the online and professional education association, is pleased to congratulate the many UPCEA members recognized in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings.

U.S. News rankings include nearly 1,850 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 engagement, services and technologies, and faculty credentials and training.

 “UPCEA members continue to drive institutional transformation that meets the needs of today’s learners. Postsecondary online enterprises are leading the way,” said Julie Uranis, Senior Vice President of Online and Strategic Initiatives for UPCEA.“U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings bring attention to the progress institutions are making to expand access, quality, and relevance in postsecondary education.”

“We’re proud to see Embry-Riddle Worldwide recognized among the nation’s top online bachelor’s programs once again,” said Dr. Dean Goon, Dean of Academic Innovation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide. “These rankings reflect our commitment to delivering rigorous, industry-aligned online programs that serve a global and military-affiliated student population through innovative technologies, flexible learning models, and real-world application.”

Nineteen of the twenty-three top 20 ranked institutions are members of UPCEA:

1 – University of Florida

4 – The Ohio State University

4 – University of North Carolina–Charlotte

6 – Arizona State University

6 – Oregon State University Ecampus

6 – University of Central Florida

9 – CUNY School of Professional Studies

10 – University of Tennessee–Knoxville

11 – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

11 – Texas A&M University

11 – Washington State University

15 – University of Arizona

15 – University of North Carolina–Wilmington

17 – Colorado State University Global

17 – University of Massachusetts–Amherst

17 – Utah State University

20 – Indiana University

20 – University of Kentucky

20 – University of Massachusetts, Lowell

“At the University of Central Florida, we are proud to have had our online bachelor’s programs ranked in the top ten in the nation for the past five years. This kind of external recognition is a testament to the hard work of our faculty, instructional designers, media team, success coaches, and everyone who supports UCF’s online enterprise,” said Dr. Thomas Cavanagh, Vice Provost for Digital Learning, University of Central Florida. “However, the rankings themselves are not the goal. Continuous improvement is part of our culture, whether that’s refining how we support faculty, enhancing the student experience, or rethinking how programs are structured to meet today’s workforce demands.”

“Our presence on these national lists underscores the University of Kentucky’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence, support for military-affiliated students, and focus on advancing the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond,” said Dr. Brandi Frisby, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, University of Kentucky.  “We’re proud of what our faculty, staff, and online learners have accomplished and energized by what lies ahead as we look to best serve our students.”

“UF is honored that U.S. News & World Report has once again ranked UF Online as the No. 1 online bachelor’s degree program in the nation, including top honors for our business program and excellence in serving veterans,” said Melissa Allen, Director of UF Online, University of Florida. “This recognition reflects the impact of intentional, learner-centered online design and sustained commitment to quality, affordability, and student success — values that resonate deeply across the online and professional education field.”

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

 

About UPCEA

UPCEA is the online and professional education association. Our members continuously reinvent higher education, positively impacting millions of lives. We proudly lead and support them through cutting edge research, professional development, networking and mentorship, conferences and seminars, and stakeholder advocacy. Our collaborative, entrepreneurial community brings together decision makers and influencers in education, industry, research, and policy interested in improving educational access and outcomes.