USU's Online Bachelor's Programs Ranked in Top 25 in the Nation for Seventh Consecutive Year

Utah State University was recognized as one of the top online bachelor’s programs in the nation in 2021 by U.S. News & World Report (USNWR), one of the preeminent college ranking systems. USU Online ranked 21st for its bachelor’s programs, rising two places from its 2020 ranking. This is USU’s seventh consecutive year of being ranked in the top 25 in this category.

“To receive this top 25 ranking for our online bachelor’s program for a seventh straight year shows the dedication of our instructors, support professionals and the courses they have developed,” said Robert Wagner, vice president of Academic and Instructional Services at USU. “Our faculty use unique and engaging ways to provide students the best education possible and maintain USU’s reputation as the premier online university in Utah.”

USU was also selected 12th in the nation in its online bachelor’s programs for veterans and was ranked eighth in its bachelor’s programs for psychology, a new ranking introduced this year by USNWR. USU also ranked 35th in its online Master’s Education programs, and 117th in its online MBA programs, a large rise after the university’s first online cohort graduation.

USU currently offers 13 online bachelor’s degrees and 19 online master’s degrees. To continue its efforts to improve opportunities for students to pursue higher education, USU Online officially launched nine new online program offerings this year. USNWR recognizes USU as Utah’s top-ranked online university. Entering its 26th year, USU Online continues to fulfill USU’s land-grant mission by offering online education outside of the traditional campus setting.

“Through USU Online, our university delivers high-value courses and instruction to students wherever they may be across the world,” said Francis D. Galey, USU’s executive vice president and provost. “We are committed to supporting USU Online in meeting the needs of our online students and ensure their success.”

The U.S. News & World Report rankings were released after a competitive screening process of more than 300 universities. According to USNWR, highly ranked programs have strong traditional academic foundations based on student-instructor access, graduation rates and instructor credentials. They also excel at educating distance learners while offering robust career and financial support. Ranking criteria for online bachelor’s programs are based on engagement, services and technologies, faculty credentials and training, and expert opinion.