Considered the gold standard of college rankings, on January 27, U.S. News & World released its report of the 2026 Best Online Programs. Johnson & Wales University Online’s degree-granting distance education business programs received a Best Online Programs ranking in the category of Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs. JWU Online was also recognized for ranking in the category of Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice programs.
U.S. News publishes the Best Online Programs rankings annually, believing “that online learning is integral to all types of education, including higher education, and that students should have as much information as possible when evaluating online degrees of interest.”
Cindy Parker, Vice President of Johnson & Wales University Online declared, “We are proud of our US News & World Report rankings for 2026 in an increasingly competitive market for online higher education. These rankings provide validation of the quality of our academic programs and support our brand and reputation. The rankings can shape perceptions and influence choices among prospective students who are interested in our academic programs.”
How Were The 2026 Program Rankings Determined?
U.S. News qualifies that the Best Online Programs rankings measure whether online degree programs have academic standards that are equal in quality to brick-and-mortar (on-campus) programs, for which the teaching methods, learning activities and assignments are appropriately adapted for distance education.
U.S. News explains, “The formula for ranking programs in 2026 is largely unchanged from last year’s rankings, maintaining a foundation for benchmarking. Rankings continue to focus on midcareer distance learners, and the same set of program areas from 2025 will be updated.”
Stressing that programs — not schools — are ranked, U.S. News considers only degree-granting programs that are housed at regionally-accredited institutions, and that offer predominantly online classes needed to complete the degree. Selected factors, known as ranking indicators, are used to assess each program within its defined category.
U.S. News notes, “More programs submitted statistical data and completed peer assessment surveys this cycle, broadening the representation of offerings included in the rankings and possibly signaling growth in distance learning programs overall.”
“I chose to study at JWU Online because I needed a learning environment in which I could easily balance my personal life and entrepreneurial pursuits. I love JWU’s reputation for hands-on and industry focused learning, which enables me to immediately apply new knowledge to my business ventures.” – Charmaine Patterson ’27, B.S. – Business Administration
Methodology
A program’s score for each ranking indicator is calculated using data that the program reported to U.S. News in a statistical survey and from data collected in a separate peer assessment survey.
Programs are evaluated in four broad categories: Engagement (35%), Services and Technologies (25%), Faculty Credentials and Training (20%) and Peer Assessment (20%). Highly-ranked programs have strong traditional academic foundations based on student-instructor access, graduation and retention rates and faculty credentials and training.
Other factors considered include services and technologies and expert opinion (academic reputation ranked by top academics). While these programs excel at educating online learners, they also offer robust career and financial support.
Prospective students can read more about the methodologies used to rank the programs and see how the online bachelor’s in business programs at Johnson & Wales compare with programs at other institutions at U.S. News.
“Being in the program has been a wonderful experience and definitely worth the time and cost. I chose JWU Online for my degree after looking at different options, in part because a co-worker raved about the program and what you get for the money. As I complete the business studies undergraduate degree, I think the value cost-wise for what I am getting out of the program is tremendous.” – Jeffrey Adams ‘24, B.S. – Business Studies
Online Business Bachelor’s Programs At Johnson & Wales Online
JWU Online offers 100% online undergraduate business programs, including Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting, Human Resources, Digital Marketing & Social Media, Fashion Merchandising and Retailing, Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship, Marketing & Advertising, and in four specialty concentrations of Business Administration. For more information about enrolling at JWU Online, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].
