New ranking places UW MBA Consortium among top online programs

The University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium, managed by UW-Eau Claire, has once again earned elite recognition for online MBA programs, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Online Programs rankings.

The UW MBA Consortium, which consists of UW-Eau Claire, UW-La Crosse and UW-Oshkosh, is the top-ranked online MBA program in Wisconsin and 14th overall in the country after improving six places from 2025. Among the top 4% of programs this year, the UW MBA Consortium is one of just eight to earn top-20 recognition each year since the rankings started in 2015.

"Very few programs have earned this recognition year after year, and we're proud to be among them," says Jessica Franson, managing director of the UW MBA Consortium. "We have maintained that position through a continued focus on what we do well and a willingness to evolve as student expectations and industry needs change. That balance is what keeps our program at the forefront."

The program's committed team of faculty and staff primarily strives for student satisfaction and return on investment, which has consistently produced new opportunities, promotions and salary increases for graduates. To achieve this, the program emphasizes intentionality, collaboration, customization and flexibility.

Students can earn an MBA in as few as 15 months or as many as seven years depending on goals and time available for coursework. They can pursue pathways in areas including healthcare management, leadership and financial decision making to personalize their MBA, says Dr. Paula Lentz, academic program director of the UW MBA Consortium.

"To harness that, package that and make it customizable for students has been a game changer," she says.

Core courses use the perspective of two instructors, and each course benefits from collaboration between faculty and instructional designers. Drawing from experts from three Universities of Wisconsin schools has strengthened and broadened the program's curriculum, says Dr. Lisa Jepsen, dean of UW-Eau Claire's College of Business.

"You get cohesiveness and consistency that you don't always have in other programs," she says. "We can adapt to current industry trends more quickly because we can leverage the faculty expertise from three universities."

The UW MBA Consortium serves approximately 375 students from 38 states and three countries. Nearly 60% of enrollees are from Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota.

U.S. News & World Report once again ranked the UW MBA Consortium 15th in this year's Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans rankings. The program has also earned sustained success from other predominant rankings such as Poets&Quants, appearing in that publication's best online MBA rankings all nine possible years. The program has also been recognized by Princeton Review, Fortune and Money.

"Our shared commitment to excellence across institutions is what makes the UW MBA Consortium exceptional," says Dr. Frank Braun, dean of UW-Oshkosh's college of business, arts and communication. "We take pride in seeing this program recognized across so many respected national rankings, reaffirming its value for students and employers alike."

For more information about the UW MBA Consortium, contact Jessica Franson at 715-836-3880 or [email protected].