The University of Georgia’s online degree programs have achieved high national rankings in the 2026 Best Online Programs report by U.S. News & World Report, released on January 27. The university placed No. 18 overall, remaining in the top 20 nationally.
The rankings are based on factors such as student engagement, available services and technology, faculty qualifications, and peer assessments. Stephen Balfour, director of UGA’s Office of Online Learning, stated, “UGA focuses on developing engaging, high-quality online programs that support student progress and success. Student engagement is a key indicator of quality, so we were pleased to see UGA jump 16 spots this year, from No. 24 to No. 8.”
UGA reported improvements in student outcomes for its online programs. The retention ranking improved from No. 6 to No. 4 nationally, while the graduation ranking rose from No. 20 to No. 7.
The Mary Frances Early College of Education has expanded online offerings for educators throughout Georgia, allowing teachers to enhance their qualifications without leaving their classrooms and helping address teacher shortages in the state.
Specific program rankings include:
– No. 3 (up from No. 11) for Best Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction
– No. 3 for Best Online Master’s in Educational/Instructional Media Design
– No. 4 for Best Online Master’s in Special Education
– No. 6 for Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration and Policy
– No. 29 (up from No. 39) for Best Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education
For veterans seeking online education master’s degrees, UGA was ranked at No. 11 nationwide due to factors like affordability and accessibility through financial aid programs tailored for military students.
The Terry College of Business at UGA received recognition as well; its online master’s of business and technology program ranked No. 23 among similar programs across the country.
Over the past two years, UGA has expanded its online academic portfolio by introducing thirty new programs, including new master’s degrees in applied data science and environmental geology offered by the Franklin College of Arts and Science, a master’s in natural resources launching soon at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, and the first fully online doctoral program—a doctorate in learning, design and technology—offered by the Mary Frances Early College of Education.
Andy Borst, vice provost for academic enrollment at UGA said: “These rankings reflect our commitment to quality and student success across all modalities. UGA’s online programs expand opportunities for Georgia residents at every stage of life while maintaining the academic rigor expected at UGA.”
