Kent State University’s commitment to accessible, high-quality online education has earned recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Online Programs rankings, with the university placing among the nation’s best across multiple graduate disciplines.
The university earned rankings in four categories: Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs, Best Online Master’s in Education Programs, Best Online Master’s in Business Programs and Best Online Master of Business Administration (MBA) Programs. Three Kent State programs rank in the top 100 nationally among all public and private institutions in the 2026 rankings.
The College of Nursing’s online master’s in nursing program ranks No. 62 nationally, maintaining its position as the top-ranked program among all institutions – public and private – in northern Ohio on the Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs list.
“This national recognition reflects the exceptional dedication of our faculty and the outstanding caliber of our graduate nursing students,” said Versie Johnson-Mallard, Ph.D., Kent State’s College of Nursing dean and Henderson Memorial Endowed Leadership Chair. “Our online master’s program delivers the same rigorous, high-quality education that Kent State is known for while providing the flexibility that working nurses need to advance their careers. We’re preparing the next generation of nurse leaders, educators and advanced practitioners who will make meaningful contributions to healthcare in their communities.”
At No. 64, the online master’s in education programs offered by the College of Education, Health and Human Services hold the highest ranking among public and private institutions in Northeast Ohio on this year’s Best Online Master’s in Education Programs list.
The Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship also achieved notable recognition, with its online master’s in business programs ranking No. 76 – the highest among all institutions in northern Ohio on the Best Online Master’s in Business Programs list. The college’s online MBA program ranks No. 127, leading all public institutions in the Northeast Ohio region on the Best Online MBA Programs list.
Kent State is a pioneer in online education, providing its first online programs more than 20 years ago. Kent State offers more than 90 fully online degree programs, including undergraduate, graduate and certificates. At Kent State, 68% of its students are engaged in online learning by taking at least one online course, and nearly 10% of its students were enrolled exclusively in fully online programs, embracing the flexibility and quality of Kent State’s online programs for fall 2025. Enrollment in Kent State’s online courses continues to grow each year, achieving new record highs.
The Best Online Programs rankings, now in their 14th year, assess schools on factors including student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies available to online learners. This year’s edition evaluated nearly 1,850 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs using metrics tailored specifically to online education. Only degree-granting programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions are eligible for inclusion.
Learn more about the U.S. News 2026 Best Online Programs list.
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Photo Caption:
A Kent State University student works on her computer. (Photo credit: Rami Daud)
Media Contacts:
Eric Mansfield, emansfie@kent.edu, 330-672-2797
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595