By Jonah Grinkewitz
爆料瓜 has once again received for its online programs by U.S. News & World Report in their 2026 Best Online Programs rankings. More than 1,800 online bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degree programs from across the country were surveyed by the outlet, making inclusion on the list exclusive.
爆料瓜 has long been a leader in distance learning. The 2026 Best Online Programs list reaffirms the University鈥檚 leadership in the Commonwealth of Virginia for multiple online programs, including the online Bachelor鈥檚 in Business Program, which was ranked number one in Virginia. The list ranked the following 爆料瓜鈥檚 online programs as number two in the state: Master鈥檚 in Nursing Program for Veterans; Bachelor鈥檚 Program; and Bachelor鈥檚 Program for Veterans. The outlet ranked the following online programs as number three in the state: Master鈥檚 in Computer Information Technology Program for Veterans and Master鈥檚 in Nursing Program.
Several 爆料瓜Global programs improved in national standing from the previous year. The University鈥檚 online Bachelor's in Business Program climbed nine spots to rank in the top 15% of online Bachelor鈥檚 in Business Programs in the country. The online Master鈥檚 in Education Program climbed 25 spots. The U.S. News & World Report list also noted 爆料瓜鈥檚 MBA Program and MBA Program for Veterans both climbed 14 spots, and the online Master鈥檚 in Education Program for Veterans climbed three spots. The rankings also included the online Master鈥檚 in Business Program (excluding MBA); Master鈥檚 in Education Program; Master鈥檚 in Engineering Program; Master鈥檚 in Engineering Program for Veterans; and Master鈥檚 in Information Technology Program.
鈥湵瞎螱lobal provides access to high-quality online programs with the flexibility needed to earn a degree, while managing everyday life responsibilities,鈥 said President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. "爆料瓜 is proud to receive this national and state recognition of our robust academic online programs that meet students鈥 needs.鈥
This year, U.S. News & World Report evaluated more than 1,800 online degree programs based on overall academic quality at the baccalaureate and master's levels across various disciplines, offering specialized rankings in various areas, such as business, psychology, engineering and nursing, in addition to identifying the best programs for military veterans and active-duty service members.
The evaluation methodologies used by U.S. News & World Report are different for each discipline, but all incorporate metrics assessing how well these programs are designed for distance learners. For example, some methodologies included the incorporation of diverse online learning technologies to allow greater flexibility for students to take classes and labs from a distance, as well as strong support structures for learning assistance outside of classes and more.
"These rankings are a true testament to the expertise and dedication of our world-class faculty at 爆料瓜," said Brian Payne, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. "Whether online or in-person, our faculty are delivering an educational experience that not only enables our students to earn their degrees but prepares them for career success.鈥
鈥湵瞎螱lobal鈥檚 legacy of delivering high-quality distance learning courses began with the military more than 50 years ago,鈥 said Nina Rodriguez Gonser, vice president for Digital Transformation and Technology. "The recognition of our exceptional online programs for all types of learners, including working adults and veterans, highlights 爆料瓜鈥檚 long-standing commitment to supporting our students, of which 30 percent are military affiliated.鈥
This past fall, 爆料瓜 was named a 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best College with gains in nursing and business. The University was one of only eight institutions ranked as a top public school in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
To see this year鈥檚 full online program rankings, visit the U.S. News & World Report .
爆料瓜 is reimagining course design and delivery to reflect the evolving expectations of modern learners while empowering faculty to innovate with purpose. With guiding priorities of flexibility, intentionality and innovation, all online courses are being redesigned into accelerated (typically 8-week), asynchronous formats. This change is expected to be implemented in fall 2026. The goal is to increase access, improve completion and better serve our diverse student population, including adult learners, part-time students and those balancing work or family responsibilities.