The University of Massachusetts Amherst’s online education programs have once again been recognized as among the best in the nation, placing in the Top 20 public and private colleges and universities for its undergraduate and graduate programs according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings released Jan. 27. 

The university’s Isenberg School of Management online bachelor’s degree in business program ranks No. 4 out of 218 institutions and was the only New England university—public or private—to place in the Top 10. The school’s bachelor’s program for veterans maintained its No. 11 spot from last year. 

Two of Isenberg’s online master’s programs placed in the Top 5 out of 206 institutions in their respective categories: master’s in business and master’s in business programs for veterans. Isenberg’s online MBA program ranks at No. 14, up two spots from 2025, while the online MBA for veterans ranks at No. 13. 

“Our groundbreaking online MBA program—one of the oldest and most respected in the country—is clearly a leader in this space and provides today’s students with career-building skills and learning experiences,” said Isenberg Dean Anne Massey, Thomas O’Brien Endowed Chair. “These rankings—particularly the online MBA’s rise over last year—demonstrate the continued quality and importance of our online master’s business programs for training the next generation of professionals.”

UMass Amherst online bachelor’s degree programs moved up two spots, to No. 17 among 348 public and private colleges and universities, while the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing master’s program climbed one spot to No. 29 and is the only Massachusetts institution in the Top 40. 

In other graduate program recognitions, the university’s master’s in education program surged up 45 spots to No. 64. 

“These rankings acknowledge the national reputation of UMass Amherst as a leader and innovator in the delivery of online education,” said Scott Davidson, associate provost for Interdisciplinary Studies and interim executive director of Lifelong Learning. “The quality of our programs is enhanced by our Course Design Institute (CDI) that helps faculty to create accessible and engaging online courses as well as by the commitment of our entire faculty and staff to the success of each individual student.” 

This year’s 14th edition of U.S. News Best Online Programs evaluated more than 1,800 online bachelor’s and master’s using metrics specific to online learning. The rankings only include degree-granting programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.