OHIO’s online programs continue to rise among best in state, nation in latest U.S. News rankings

Several of Ohio University’s online programs, including nursing, business and psychology, were ranked top in the state and among the best nationally in the latest U.S. News & World Report list of “Best Online Programs” released this week. 

Overall, OHIO ranked 115^th nationally in best online bachelor’s programs, moving up several spots from previous years – a testament to the work being done to provide high-quality and accessible online programs. Out of the nine programmatic areas ranked this year by U.S. News, OHIO was listed in the top 100 for eight of them.

“Ohio University is committed to providing our students access to high-quality academic programs that are flexible, affordable and able to meet their needs – regardless of their location,” OHIO President Lori Stewart Gonzalez said. “It is an honor to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report in their most recent rankings, and we look forward to continuing to create online programs that will help our students achieve their goals and position them for lifelong success.”

OHIO’s online bachelor’s programs in psychology tied for 18th in the nation, up sixteen spots from last year, and was named best in the state. Additionally, OHIO’s online bachelor’s in business programs tied for 23rd in the nation, up nine spots from 2023; the program was also ranked best in the state of Ohio. 

Recently, Poets&Quants also ranked OHIO’s online master of business administration (MBA) as one of the top 40 best online MBA programs in the United States, and ranked third among online MBA programs offered by universities in Ohio.

OHIO’s online master’s in nursing program has experienced a strong upward trend in U.S. News’ rankings in recent years, moving up from 51^st in 2022 to 46^th in 2023. This year, the program moved up 26 spots and is tied for 20^th in the nation in U.S. News’ most recent overall rankings. It is also ranked second in the state of Ohio. 

OHIO’s RN to BSN program was also named by allnurses.com as one of the top two online RN to BSN nursing programs in the nation, maintaining its ranking as the top RN to BSN program among public schools.

“We are pleased so many of our online programs are recognized among the best for providing outstanding yet affordable educational opportunities to students nationwide,” Kari Lehman, vice provost for OHIO Online, said. “Our faculty are deeply committed and engaged with our students, as are our professional support staff dedicated to serving online students.”

OHIO was also ranked 33^rd in best online master’s in business programs for Veterans and first in the state, as well as tied for 65^th in best online bachelor’s programs for veterans and second in the state of Ohio. OHIO has continually supported veterans and active military students. It has been named a Yellow Ribbon School, a military-friendly school and was awarded the Collegiate Purple Star. 

OHIO’s complete national and state rankings include:

• Best online bachelor’s programs – Psychology (College of Arts and Sciences): tied for 18th, best in Ohio
• Best online master’s in nursing programs (College of Health Sciences and Professions): tied for 20^th, up 26 spots from 2023, second in Ohio
• Best online bachelor’s in business programs (College of Business): tied for 23rd, best in Ohio
• Best online master’s in business programs for Veterans (College of Business): tied for 33rd, first in Ohio
• Best online master’s in education programs (Patton College of Education): tied for 63rd, fourth in Ohio among public institutions
• Best online bachelor’s programs for Veterans: tied for 65^th, second in Ohio
• Best online master’s in engineering programs (Russ College of Engineering and Technology): tied at 74^th, fifth in Ohio
• Best online master’s in business programs (College of Business): tied for 97^th, sixth in Ohio
• Best online bachelor’s programs: tied for 115^th, fourth in Ohio among public institutions
• Best online MBA programs (College of Business): tied for 193^rd, sixth in Ohio among public institutions

In addition to the University’s continued rise in online programs rankings, OHIO Online is also working to offer increased online student support services later this semester, including mental health support, professional career services and advising, that will be available fully online and tailored to meet the needs of working adults.

“At OHIO, we see our online students and the persistence they bring to their education,” Lehman added. “We recognize them as multi-dimensional people who demonstrate intense commitment, making room for their own education while pursuing careers and managing personal and family lives.”

The complete U.S. News & World Report online program rankings can be found on their website.

A full list of OHIO’s 60+ online programs can be found at OHIO Online.