WKU News

Several WKU Online programs are earning national attention once again, with multiple programs recognized in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings.  

WKU’s online bachelor’s program ranked 77th nationally, making it the second-best program in Kentucky. According to U.S. News & World Report, rankings are based on factors such as faculty credentials and training, student engagement, available services and technology and expert opinions on academic quality. More than 1,000 programs are evaluated annually to determine the rankings.  

“These rankings affirm the intentional work our faculty and academic teams have done to continuously strengthen our online programs,” said Dr. Holli Drummond, Assistant Provost for Student Success & Online Learning. “We are proud to see that commitment reflected in improved outcomes, increased national visibility, and, most importantly, student success.” 

Beyond the overall bachelor’s ranking, several individual WKU Online programs posted strong performances this year. WKU’s online undergraduate business program ranked 32nd in the nation, and the veteran’s bachelor’s program placed 47th. The veteran’s MBA program climbed to 45th, and veteran’s graduate education ranked 37th nationally. The Online Undergraduate Business program also improved its position, moving up to 71st after ranking 75th in the previous year.  

WKU Online continues to stand out for its flexible, fully online programs designed to support busy, working adults. Courses are taught by the same experienced faculty who teach on campus, ensuring students receive the same high-quality instruction in an online format.  

“Many of our students are working adults balancing competing demands, and these rankings offer added assurance that they are receiving a high-quality online education,” said Dr. Jay Carroll, Assistant Director of WKU Online. “I’m proud of the responsive outreach, proactive student support, and thoughtful collaboration routinely delivered by the WKU Online team, CITL partners, and our esteemed online faculty. Clearly, these efforts are making a difference.” 

WKU Online offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degrees and has several certificate programs to meet the most sought-after job skills. No matter where you are on your academic journey, WKU Online can help you reach your academic and professional goals. 

For information about online courses and degree programs at WKU, visit wku.edu/online/degrees or call (270) 745-5173. For more information about the U.S. News rankings, visit: U.S News Online Rankings.

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Western Kentucky University prides itself on positioning its students, faculty and staff for long term success. As a student-centered, applied research university, WKU helps students expand on classroom learning by integrating education with real-world applications in the communities we serve. Our hilltop campus is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which was recently named by Reader’s Digest as one of the nicest towns in America, just an hour’s drive from Nashville, Tennessee.