University of Cincinnati recognized with 16 rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs
CECH was the most-cited college with 7 rankings
U.S. News and World Report (the global authority in education rankings) published its 2026 Best Online Programs rankings on January 27, 2026, recognizing the University of Cincinnati with 16 spots in the list of degree-granting university programs that affordably serve the educational needs of distance learners in a reasonable timeframe.
Programs within the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology (CECH) represent seven of these rankings. CECH is ranked by U.S. News & World Report for the following online programs:
- #7 in Grad Information Technology for Veterans
- #9 in Criminal Justice for Veterans
- #12 in Grad Information Technology (Tie)
- #12 in Grad Education – Special Education (Tie)
- #15 in Criminal Justice (Tie)
- #16 in Grad Education-Educational Administration and Supervision (Tie)
- #25 in Grad Education (Tie)
“Once again being the most-ranked college at UC underscores the strength of our academic community and the dedication of our faculty, staff and students," says CECH Dean Lisa Huffman. "These rankings speak to the quality of our programs and our ongoing commitment to preparing graduates who will lead and make an impact across education, criminal justice, human services and information technology."
"I am extremely proud of the sustained excellence across our CECH-IT programs.”
Lisa Huffman Dean of CECH
UC’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, College of Engineering and Applied Science, and College of Nursing were also featured in the published list for the following nationally recognized programs:
- #8 in Grad Nursing for Veterans
- #19 in Grad Nursing (Tie)
- #30 in Grad Engineering for Veterans (Tie)
- #32 in Grad Business for Veterans
- #45 in Grad Business (Tie)
- #49 in Grad Engineering
- #50 in MBA (Tie)
- #66 in MBA for Veterans (Tie)
Additionally, the University of Cincinnati tied for the #24 ranking for its online bachelor’s programs.
For more information on the influential rankings and the methodology used by the publication, you can visit U.S. News & World Report’s School FAQ page.
Featured image at top: Students enjoying classroom participation. Photo by UC Marketing.
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U.S. News and World Report (the global authority in education rankings) published its 2026 Best Online Programs rankings on January 27, 2025, recognizing the University of Cincinnati with 16 spots in the list of degree-granting university programs that affordably serve the educational needs of distance learners in a reasonable timeframe. Programs within the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology (CECH) represent seven of these rankings.