Several OHIO Online programs ranked best in state, among best in nation, in latest “Best Online Programs” rankings by U.S. News & World Report

Several of Ohio University’s online programs, including psychology and nursing, 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 today. Many Veterans programs were also ranked top in the state and nation, emphasizing OHIO’s ongoing commitment to supporting education for Veterans.

Overall, OHIO ranked 57th nationally in best online bachelor’s programs, moving up 58 spots since last year – a testament to the work being done to provide high-quality and accessible online programs. Out of the 12 areas OHIO was ranked in this year by U.S. News, OHIO’s programs were listed in the top 100 for each.

“Ohio University is dedicated to offering flexible, affordable, and high-quality academic programs that are responsive to the diverse needs of our students across our campuses and modalities,” said OHIO President Lori Stewart Gonzalez. “Additionally, we are honored to be highly ranked by U.S. News for several programs they categorized as supporting Veterans, which demonstrates our commitment to our brave servicemen and women as they pursue their educational goals.”

Additional notable rankings
OHIO’s online bachelor’s programs in psychology ranked at number nine in the nation, up nine spots from last year, and was named best in the state. Additionally, OHIO’s online MBA program rose 105 spots to crack the top 100, ranking 88th. 

Nursing rankings
In the last several years, OHIO’s online master’s in nursing program has continued to experience a strong upward trend in U.S. News’ rankings, moving up from 51st in 2022 and 46th in 2023 to being tied at 12th in the nation this year, moving up eight spots from last year. It is also ranked second in the state of Ohio.

OHIO's Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program was ranked first for 2025 by Nurse Practitioner Online, a leading resource for aspiring nurse practitioners. RegisteredNursing.org also ranked OHIO’s online nurse practitioner program as best in Ohio for 2025. In addition, OHIO’s nursing school was ranked the second best nursing school in Ohio by AllNurses.com.

Veterans program rankings
OHIO was also ranked sixth for best online master’s in nursing for Veterans and first in the state, as well as 29th and second in Ohio for best online master’s in business programs for Veterans. For best online MBA for Veterans, OHIO was ranked 57th and for best online bachelor’s programs for Veterans, OHIO ranked 31st, up 34 spots and was ranked best in Ohio.

Recently, OHIO was also recognized among the top higher education institutions in the country for military service members and veterans in Military Times’ “2024 Best for Vets: Colleges” rankings.

OHIO has continually supported veterans and active military students and is repeatedly named a top military-friendly school. In addition, OHIO has implemented a student veteran and military incentive scholarship for online student veterans to help alleviate the cost and make receiving an education more accessible.

“We are thrilled our online programs are now ranked among the top 100 nationwide, with several jumping dozens or even a hundred spots in their categories,” said Kari Lehman, vice provost for OHIO Online. “This recognition highlights the outstanding, affordable educational opportunities we provide to all students regardless of their location or busy schedule. We are also grateful for our faculty’s unwavering commitment to student success, along with the dedicated support of our professional staff – all who are key to this achievement.”

OHIO’s complete national and state rankings include:

• Best online bachelor’s programs – Psychology (College of Arts and Sciences): tied for 9th, up 8 spots from 2024, best in Ohio
• Best online master’s in nursing programs (College of Health Sciences and Professions): tied for 12th, up 8 spots from 2024, second in Ohio
• Best online bachelor’s in business programs (College of Business): tied for 41st, second in Ohio
• Best online master’s in business programs for Veterans (College of Business): tied for 29th, second in Ohio
• Best online master’s in education programs (Patton College of Education): tied for 77th, fifth in Ohio among public institutions
• Best online bachelor’s programs for Veterans: tied for 31, up 34 spots since 2024, best in Ohio
• Best online master’s in engineering programs (Russ College of Engineering and Technology): tied at 75th, fourth in Ohio
• Best online master’s in business programs (College of Business): tied for 66th, up 31 spots from 2024, fourth in Ohio
• Best online bachelor’s programs: tied for 57th, up 58 spots from 2024, second in Ohio
• Best online MBA programs (College of Business): tied for 88th, up 105 spots from 2024, second in Ohio among public institutions
• Best online MBA for Veterans: tied for 57, best in Ohio (new ranking)
• Best online master’s in nursing for Veterans: tied for 6th, best in Ohio (new ranking)

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.