U.S. News & World Report ranks UNI among 2026 Best Online Programs

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa is among the 2026 Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report. Based on factors in student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies, UNI received top honors for both online bachelor's programs and online master's in education programs.

"Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report affirms UNI's commitment to excellence in online education," said Stephanie Huffman, associate vice president for strategic initiatives and dean of the College of Graduate, Research and Online Education. "Our bachelor's and master's programs are designed to be accessible, rigorous and responsive to the evolving needs of today's learners-helping them thrive professionally and personally."

In its 14th year, the U.S. News Best Online Programs serves as a resource for individuals looking to complete or further their education. This year's edition evaluates more than 1,800 online bachelor's and master's degree programs using metrics specific to online learning. The rankings include only degree-granting programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.

UNI's online graduate programs - recognized in the top 20% of the more than 320 programs ranked - moved up 35 spots from last year's rankings. Programs included in the criteria are:

• Master of Arts in art education, English in secondary & postsecondary schools, instructional design and learning technologies, leadership in physical education, mathematics: community college teaching; mathematics for elementary and middle grades (K-8), mathematics: secondary teaching emphasis, school library studies, science education, teacher leadership for international educators, and teaching English for speakers of other languages (TESOL)
• Master of Arts in Educationfor early childhood education, elementary education, literacy education, principalship, special education: instructional strategist
• Master of Musicin music education

"This recognition highlights the strength and depth of UNI's educator preparation programs and our long-standing commitment to supporting teachers and advanced education professionals," said Colleen Mulholland, dean of UNI's College of Education. "With the majority of our ranked programs focused on education-related disciplines, these offerings reflect both the quality of our faculty and our responsiveness to the evolving needs of today's learners. Expanding high-quality online options allows us to better serve educators at every stage of their careers-providing the flexibility, accessibility and rigor needed to make a lasting impact in classrooms, school districts and communities."

The following UNI online undergraduate programs moved up eight spots from the 2025 rankings:

• Bachelor of Arts in accounting (hybrid), criminology and criminal justice, early childhood education, elementary education (including the Online Transfer Programand the Purple Pathway for Paraeducators), individual studies: human services, individual studies: sports administration, industrial managementand management: business administration.
• Bachelor of Applied Sciencein criminal justiceand managing business and organizations
• Bachelor of Liberal Studies

These 17 graduate programs and 12 undergraduate programs are part of more than 50 online degree, certificate and endorsement offerings supported by the Division of Online Education & Individual Studies, housed within UNI's College of Graduate, Research and Online Education(GROE). Many programs are offered fully online, while others feature primarily online coursework with limited in-person components. Serving students from all 99 counties in Iowa, GROE conferred 250+ online graduate degrees and 200+ online undergraduate degrees in the 2024-2025 academic year.

"As student needs continue to evolve, UNI remains focused on delivering flexible, high-quality online programs rooted in our mission," said Huffman. "This recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to expand access to higher education while ensuring meaningful outcomes for our learners."

In collaboration with all 15 of Iowa's community colleges, the UNI@IACC (University of Northern Iowa at Iowa Community Colleges) partnershipserves placebound students across the state- those balancing work, family and community responsibilities who may not be able to relocate to complete a four-year degree.

"These learners have good jobs but are ready to move into leadership or managerial roles, and very often those positions require a bachelor's degree," said Paul Sapp, director of UNI@IACC. "Many have families and significant obligations and are motivated to come back to finish their online undergraduate degree in a supportive, flexible environment. This partnership makes that possible."

To learn more about UNI's online degree programs or to register for an IACC informational webinar, visit online.uni.edu/programs.