2024 U.S. News & World Report Rankings Again Recognize University

Best Online Programs badge from U.S. News & World Report
UMass Lowell was once again named a standout in U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of higher education’s best online programs in the nation.

02/20/2024

Media Contacts: Emily Gowdey-Backus, director of media relations; Nancy Cicco, assistant director of media relations

Fifteen of UMass Lowell’s online graduate and professional courses, notably those designed for military veterans, ranked among the top in the nation, according to 2024 findings released this month by U.S. News & World Report.

“As the No. 1 public school in Massachusetts, UMass Lowell is proud to be recognized once again for its commitment to engaging graduate, online and professional programs,” said Chancellor Julie Chen. “These opportunities, and their positive return on investment, align graduates for a strong career path and to become leaders in their industries and communities.”

The latest findings reflect UMass Lowell provides timely, relevant coursework to the general public seeking to advance their careers or learn a new industry and provides academic opportunities to the service member community in particular.

  • No. 3: Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs (tie)
  • No. 12: Best Online Master's in Education Programs (tie)
  • No. 14: Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs (tie)
  • No. 26: Best Online Master's in Engineering Programs (tie)
  • No. 27: Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Programs (tie)
  • No. 28: Best Online Bachelor's Programs (tie)
  • No. 31: Best Online Bachelor's in Business Programs (tie)
  • No. 31: Best Online Master's in Business Programs (Excluding MBA) (tie)
  • No. 42: Best Online MBA Programs (tie)

The rankings specifically for military-connected students emphasize the need for this population to benefit from reputable distance education that is both affordable and accessible. An estimated 1,450 military-connected students attend UMass Lowell, both on campus and online, many while deployed at locations around the world.

  • No. 3: Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs for Veterans
  • No. 9: Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs for Veterans
  • No. 14: Best Online Master's in Business Programs for Veterans (Excluding MBA)
  • No. 17: Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans
  • No. 18: Best Online Master's in Engineering Programs for Veterans (tie)
  • No. 26: Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans (tie)

The latest U.S. News & World Report rankings measure these factors, among others, across more than 1,800 colleges and universities. 

All of UMass Lowell’s online programs – which see more than 42,000 enrollments annually – are accredited and offered through the same high-quality academic departments as the university’s on-campus degree programs. UMass Lowell is nationally and internationally recognized for quality in programs, teaching and more, by organizations including the Online Learning Consortium and the University Professional and Continuing Education Association. For more about UMass Lowell’s graduate, online and professional studies programs, visit https://gps.uml.edu.