UNM programs make big gains in latest U.S. News & World Report online rankings

Three University of New Mexico online programs are ranked in the top 100, including one in the top 50 in the latest edition of U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Online Programs released recently. UNM's Bachelor's in Business program was the highest-ranked program at No. 47.

"We are pleased to see that US News recognizes the thought and care that UNM is putting into delivering high quality online programs for online students in New Mexico and beyond," said Elisha Allen, director of Online Strategies and Academic Technologies. "From the excellence of our faculty, personalized support from our staff, and state investments in scholarships and educational institutions, UNM is proud to offer high quality online programs that prioritize student success at a cost that is difficult to match anywhere outside of New Mexico.

"The improvements in our rankings are both an acknowledgement of the work that UNM is doing to provide a quality experience, and an indicator of the direction we are headed in the future," he added.

UNM also had a new entry on the list with its Bachelor's for Veterans coming in at No. 72. Other programs ranked in the top 100 included UNM's Master's program in Information Technology at No. 75 (tie) and UNM's Master's in Engineering programs at No. 79. Overall, eight UNM programs were ranked in the survey that provides the most in-depth evaluation of U.S. based degree-granting programs administered online. All of UNM's programs are ranked No. 1 in the state except for its bachelor's program and Veterans program

Below is the complete list of UNM's online rankings by US News for 2025:

• Bachelor's in Business Program, No. 47
• Master's in Information Technology Program, No. 75
• Master's in Engineering Program, No. 79
• Master's in Business Program (Excluding MBA), No. 112
• MBA Program, No. 136
• Master's in Education Program, No. 165
• Online Bachelor's Program, No. 113

Four programs made significant jumps including master's in business programs, MBA programs, master's in education programs and bachelor's programs.

"UNM Anderson School of Management's strong movement in the U.S. News & World Report Online Education rankings reflects the intentional, strategic efforts we have made to enhance the quality, reach, and impact of our online programs," said Anderson School of Management Dean Alina Chircu. "Being recognized across multiple disciplines affirms that our online education model is effective and that our faculty and staff are delivering high-value, learner-focused education to students in New Mexico and beyond."

"Over the past few years, we've focused on building programs that combine academic quality, strong instructional design, comprehensive assessment, continuous improvement, and meaningful support for students at every stage: whether they're advancing their careers, changing fields, or returning to school," added ASM Associate Dean Reilly White.

"UNM Online played a meaningful role in strengthening the student experience for online business majors, which likely contributed to the improvement in UNM's U.S. News ranking," said Allen. "Every semester, UNM Online communicates directly with enrolled online students to ensure they are aware of the academic, career, and wellness resources available to support their success."

UNM Online supports students through specialized advising and wayfinding to keep them on track, while providing personalized guidance for prospective online students. The team oversees online course scheduling to streamline registration and reduce barriers, supports faculty with teaching resources, manages compliance and state authorization, and works with academic units to improve course transparency-ensuring a high-quality, reliable online learning experience.

Another program that rose significantly was UNM's College of Education and Human Science master's in education. According to COEHS Dean Kristopher Goodrich the significant advancement reflects sustained, college-wide efforts to strengthen academic quality, expand access, and align program design with the needs of educators and communities across New Mexico

"The College of Education and Human Sciences is proud to note that its online education programs rose 56 places in the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings, continuing to be recognized as the highest-ranked online teacher education programs in the state," said Goodrich. "Central to this work are long-standing partnerships with UNM's branch campuses, particularly in Gallup, where a full range of teacher education programs are expanding access, strengthening the educator workforce, and supporting culturally responsive, community-engaged preparation.

"These results affirm the impact of a collaborative, statewide approach to teacher preparation - one that advances educational equity, supports workforce development, and extends the University's land-grant mission through high-quality online learning."

For methodologies used in the rankings visit US News bachelor's methodology and master's methodology.