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U.S. News & World Report released its 2024 Best Online Programs rankings Feb. 7, with four New Jersey universities earning a spot for bachelor’s degree programs and 20 higher education institutions making the lists in multiple graduate categories. 

“As distance learning continues to rise, the rankings and related resources U.S. News offers will help equip students with data to make choices that align with their unique needs, paving the way for educational and professional fulfillment,” LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News, said in a statement accompanying the rankings. 

In 2019, before the pandemic, about 36% of all U.S. college and university students took at least one distance learning course, according to a Forbes report. As of 2021, that number rose to approximately 60% of all college students taking some or all of their classes online. 

How they did it

To determine the lists, the publication evaluated more than 1,752 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at regionally accredited institutions and ranked 1,680 of them. U.S. News said Best Online Programs rankings are now in their 12th year. 

According to U.S. News, the methodologies were different for each discipline. However, all categories were evaluated on how well they are designed for distance learners and their effectiveness at awarding affordable degrees in a reasonable timeframe. The methodology weighed these metrics for traditional college-age students, working parents, military service members, as well as professionals and lifelong learners. 

To be included, a university program must participate in U.S. News’ annual data collection. Schools may elect not to be assessed. Almost all programs tied with those at other universities. The top 75% of universities receive an individual number ranking (e.g.: No. 67), and the remainder are listed with a range and alphabetically (e.g.: No. 260-345).

Out of the Garden State schools, Rowan University had the most mentions, with a nod for its bachelor’s programs as well as six graduate programs.

The following New Jersey colleges and universities made the lists: 

Bachelor’s degrees 

No. 67 (tie): Rutgers University–Camden, Camden
No. 71 (tie): Rowan University, Glassboro
No. 167 (tie): Berkeley College, Woodland Park
No. 197 (tie): Kean University, Union 

Graduate degrees 

Berkeley College–Woodland Park, Woodland Park
No. 260-345: MBA 

Caldwell University, Caldwell
No. 163-213: Business Programs (non-MBA)
No. 229-303: Education
No. 260-345: MBA 

Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck
No. 163-213: Business Programs (non-MBA)
No. 229-303: Education
No. 260-345: MBA
No. 141-186: Nursing 

Felician University, Lodi
No. 77 (tie): Nursing 

Georgian Court University, Lakewood
No. 229-303: Education 

Kean University, Union
No. 211 (tie): Education 

Monmouth University, West Long Branch
No. 214 (tie): Education 

Montclair State University, Montclair
No. 71 (tie): Business Programs (non-MBA)
No. 47 (tie): Information Technology Programs
No. 15 (tie): Education
No. 74 (tie): MBA
No. 77 (tie): Nursing 

New Jersey City University, Jersey City
No. 229-303: Education 

New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark
No. 109 (tie): Business Programs (non-MBA)
No. 31 (tie): Information Technology Programs
No. 61 (tie): Engineering
No. 126 (tie): MBA 

Rider University, Lawrenceville
No. 120 (tie): Business Programs (non-MBA)
No. 193 (tie): MBA 

Rowan University, Glassboro
No. 122 (tie): Business Programs (non-MBA)
No. 53 (tie): Criminal Justice
No. 45 (tie): Education
No. 67 (tie): Engineering
No. 112 (tie): MBA
No. 119 (tie): Nursing 

Rutgers University–Camden, Camden
No. 68 (tie): Business Programs (non-MBA)
No. 74 (tie): MBA 

Rutgers University–New Brunswick, New Brunswick
No. 6 (tie): Business Programs (non-MBA)
No. 88 (tie): Education 

Rutgers University–Newark, Newark
No. 6 (tie): Business Programs (non-MBA) 

Saint Elizabeth University, Morristown
No. 18: Criminal Justice 

Saint Peter’s University, Jersey City
No. 70-92: Information Technology Programs 

Seton Hall University, South Orange
No. 73 (tie): Education
No. 32 (tie): Nursing 

Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken
No. 35 (tie): Business Programs (non-MBA)
No. 11 (tie): Information Technology Programs
No. 26 (tie): Engineering
No. 60 (tie): MBA 

William Paterson University of New Jersey, Wayne
No. 211 (tie): Education 

 What they’re saying

“We want to be as flexible as possible as we see education as a means for advancing career goals,” Daniel White, associate provost for online programs for NJIT, said about the institute, which ranked in four graduate categories. “And clearly, online learning has emerged as an efficient way to reach adult learners but really any student, not only nationally but globally. In sum, we aim to be at the forefront of reimagining how to deliver education.” 

Montclair State Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Junius Gonzales said, “Our mission is to ensure students across disciplines can have access to affordable, high-quality educational options that meet them where they are. This latest recognition by U.S. News & World Report is a reflection of our efforts to ensure we are at the forefront of creating curricula and using educational technologies that serve graduates both now and in the future, and that support their 21st-century work and lives.”

Rider University noted its jump in rankings, moving up six spots for best online master’s programs in business. DonnaJean Fredeen, Rider’s provost and senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, attributed this achievement to the school’s “persistent efforts across our University to offer students the highest-quality education that helps them achieve their goals.”

Berkeley College celebrated its rankings on social media, saying, “We are honored to be recognized for excellence by @USNewsEducation for the 11th year! This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff, and our flexible approach that puts students on a path to success. #BestOnlinePrograms”

We are honored to be recognized for excellence by @USNewsEducation for the 11th year! This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff, and our flexible approach that puts students on a path to success. #BestOnlinePrograms https://t.co/2KmUCbUzHQ pic.twitter.com/gG0ZjKFVtU

— Berkeley College (@BerkeleyCollege) February 7, 2024

ICYMI:

In September 2023, U.S. News & World Report unveiled the 2024 U.S. News Best Colleges list. Click here to find out which university made No. 1 (again).