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U.S. News & World Report evaluated nearly 1,800 bachelor’s and master’s degree offerings across the country to name the 2025 Best Online Programs. 

“For those who wish to further their education but whose life circumstances call for increased flexibility to study outside the confines of a physical classroom, there are many distance learning programs to choose from,” LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News, said in a statement accompanying the lists, released Jan. 21.  

The publication looked at degree-granting online programs in seven disciplines at regionally accredited institutions. 

Jones added that the “rankings examine factors that benefit the typical distance learner and serve as a helpful starting point for those seeking to find the right online program for their educational goals.” 

How programs were evaluated 

While the methodologies differ for each discipline, all the programs were evaluated on their “effectiveness at awarding affordable degrees in a reasonable timeframe” for any student – whether a traditional college-age learner, working parent, military service member or established professional, U.S. News explained. 

Within the categories, nearly every ranked school tied for a certain spot with at least one other program across the country. 

U.S. News ranked the top 75% within each discipline. Beyond that, the publication grouped the range of the schools in the bottom quartile and displayed them alphabetically (e.g.: No. 272-355). 

What’s tops in NJ? 

In New Jersey, nearly 20 university systems earned a spot in the bachelor’s program rankings and the seven categories within the master’s programs: 

Bachelor’s programs

• No. 39: Rutgers University–Camden 
• No. 84: Rowan University, Glassboro 
• No. 143: Kean University, Union 
• No. 151: Berkeley College, Woodland Park 
• No. 235: Rider University, Lawrenceville 

MBA programs

• No. 65: Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken 
• No. 88: Rowan University, Glassboro 
• No. 88: Rutgers University–Camden
• No. 100: Montclair State University, Montclair 
• No. 135: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark 
• No. 202: Rider University, Lawrenceville 
• No. 272-355: Berkeley College, Woodland Park; Caldwell University, Caldwell; Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck 

Non-MBA graduate business programs

• No. 8: Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Newark 
• No. 42: Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken 
• No. 61: Montclair State University, Montclair 
• No. 61: Rutgers University–Camden 
• No. 74: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark
• No. 106: Rowan University, Glassboro
• No. 110: Rider University, Lawrenceville
• No. 156-205 Caldwell University, Caldwell; Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck 

Graduate criminal justice programs

• No. 32: Saint Elizabeth University, Morristown
• No. 48: Rowan University, Glassboro 

Graduate education programs

• No. 14: Montclair State University, Montclair 
• No. 46: Rowan University, Glassboro 
• No. 77: Rutgers University–New Brunswick 
• No. 77: Seton Hall University, South Orange 
• No. 142: Rider University, Lawrenceville 
• No. 208: Monmouth University, West Long Branch 
• No. 221: William Paterson University of New Jersey, Wayne 
• No. 234: Kean University, Union 
• No. 239-313: Caldwell University, Caldwell; Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck; Georgian Court University, Lakewood; New Jersey City University, Jersey City 

Graduate engineering programs

• No. 36: Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken 
• No. 43: Rowan University, Glassboro 
• No. 55: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark 

Graduate computer information technology programs

• No. 19: Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken 
• No. 33: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark
• No. 50: Montclair State University, Montclair 
• No. 74-97: Saint Peter’s University, Jersey City 

Graduate nursing programs

• No. 21: Seton Hall University, Nutley
• No. 58: Montclair State University, Montclair 
• No. 71: Felician University, Lodi
• No. 98: Rowan University (Rowan-Virtua Rita & Larry Salva School of Nursing & Health Professions), Glassboro 
• No. 143: William Paterson University of New Jersey, Wayne 
• No. 150-198: Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck; Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah; Rider University, Lawrenceville 

Touting their programs

In November, Newsweek unveiled its own list of America’s Top Online Schools. Within New Jersey, only Berkeley College (No. 22) and Rutgers University, New Brunswick (No. 203) made that ranking, which included 250 higher education institutions.

Berkeley put out a statement Jan. 21 regarding its most recent placement on the U.S. News lists – its 12th consecutive year making the cut, the school noted.

“At Berkeley College, our focus is always to support our students and to help them succeed,” said Berkeley College President Diane Recinos. “Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report again is an honor that reflects the hard work of our faculty and staff and the dedication of our students.”

NJIT noted it now boasts three online graduate programs in U.S. News’ Top 100 for 2025, up from two last year.

“From AI to machine learning and innovative entrepreneurship, the world continues to grow and change,” said Daniel White, NJIT’s associate provost for online programs. “We are fortunate that NJIT has positioned our online programs and students to grow and change with it.”

‘No two pathways to a degree are alike’

Montclair State also celebrated its placement on U.S. News’ lists in a statement.

“We recognize that no two pathways to a degree are alike, and our educational options reflect that reality,” said Montclair State Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Junius Gonzales. “These latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report are demonstrative of our efforts to be leaders in offering curricula that best serves the 21st-century student. We are honored to be ranked among some of the best online degree programs in the country.”

Rutgers University–Camden announced its placements to the university community in a short statement, noting “the continuing good news” for the school.

In December, Rowan University, which made seven of the lists above, launched a new personalized coaching program to support its online learners.

“Our approach must recognize each student’s life context – acknowledging that many are balancing work, family, and school,” Darren Wagner, vice president of strategic enrollment at Rowan, said at the time. “It’s about creating an accessible pathway that’s flexible enough to fit into their lives while ensuring they receive the guidance, resources, and personalized support they need not only to enroll – but ultimately achieve their education and career aspirations.”

After college:

U.S. News also just revealed the 2025 Best Jobs lists, including the best-paying positions. Find out here >>