App State’s online bachelor’s programs and graduate programs in business, education and nursing — offered through App State Online — are ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, which recognized the university in its “2025 Best Online Programs” rankings. Mountaineer students Caroline Flanigan, a junior sustainable technology and business double major from Holly Springs, left, and Sean Glasgow, a sophomore music industry studies major from Cary, are pictured working on their laptops on App State’s Boone campus. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University is ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Online Programs,” released Jan. 21. App State ranked in the top 16% of U.S. colleges and universities for best online bachelor’s programs, advancing 24 positions over its 2024 ranking.
Additionally, the national publication recognized App State’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in nursing programs, as well as the university’s online master’s programs in education.
U.S. News evaluated 1,790 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for the 2025 rankings. Factors considered in the rankings include student engagement, services and technologies available to students, faculty credentials and training, as well as peer reputation. Student excellence was also considered for schools offering online master’s degree programs.
Bachelor’s business programs earn high rankings
As part of its “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” rankings list, U.S. News recognized App State among the top schools in the nation for best online bachelor’s programs in business — an honor the university has held for five consecutive years. App State placed within the top 25% of schools named to the list.
App State Online’s BSBA degree programs in management, supply chain management and accounting offer students the flexibility to complete the degree on their own schedule — full or part time. The university also offers the BSBA in management, BSBA in supply chain management and BSBA in accounting in person, at its Boone and Hickory campuses.
‘Affordable, accessible and reputable’ bachelor’s programs for veterans
App State placed within the top 34% of schools named in U.S. News’ “2025 Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans” rankings list. According to the publication, these rankings recognize nationwide online bachelor’s programs for veterans that are affordable, accessible and reputable.
For 15 consecutive years, App State has been designated a Military Friendly® School by VIQTORY. This designation places App State in the top 15% of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students and to dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation. Additionally, App State has been named to Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” rankings list for seven consecutive years.
Four members of the first graduating class of App State’s online B.S. in veterinary technology program are pictured at the afternoon Spring 2024 Commencement ceremony on May 11, 2024. Pictured, from left to right, are Jennah Bosch, of Wilmington; Stefanie Venegas, of Charlotte; Kimberly Lewis, of Wilmington; and Kelly Payne, of Mount Airy. The veterinary technology program, launched in fall 2022, is designed to address the market demand for skilled veterinary professionals, especially in rural areas. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
MBA program ranks within top 20% of nationwide programs
The university’s internationally recognized online Master of Business Administration program was ranked within the top 20% of schools recognized in U.S. News’ 2025 “Best Online MBA Programs” rankings list.
App State Online’s MBA offers the same high-quality curriculum as the on-campus MBA program, with opportunities for students to work closely with faculty. The 36-hour program is designed to be completed in two years; however, students can take classes at their own pace.
Top-ranked master’s education programs
The university placed within the top 30% of schools recognized for online master’s education programs as part of U.S. News’ “2025 Best Online Programs” rankings list.
For this year’s rankings, App State was also recognized for its online curriculum specialist master’s degree, with U.S. News naming the university among 19 nationwide schools featured in the publication’s “Best Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Programs” rankings list. App State’s 33-credit hour curriculum specialist program is offered part time. The program prepares students to become curriculum instructional specialists whose primary concern is the improvement of learning opportunities through instructional leadership in curriculum development, instruction and staff development.
App State offers eight online graduate programs through its Reich College of Education:
- Doctor of Education in educational leadership
- Master of Arts in curriculum specialist
- Master of Arts in higher education
- Master of Arts in literacy education
- Master of Arts in media, technology and learning design
- Master of Arts in special education
- Master of Library Science
- Master of School Administration
Among nation’s best online nursing programs
App State was one of 211 schools across the nation named to U.S. News’ 2025 “Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs” rankings list, receiving recognition for its online master’s degree in nursing.
With a focus on educational creativity, nursing practice, leadership and research, App State’s online Master of Science in Nursing prepares graduates for educator roles in practice settings and for academic positions in nursing programs.
On April 29, 2024, App State and Project Kitty Hawk (PKH) signed an agreement that will help remove barriers to educational access and increase career readiness and advancement, particularly for adult learners in North Carolina. App State has launched five online degree programs supported by the project in the 2024–25 academic year. Pictured, from left to right, are PKH Chief Operating Officer David Eby, App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris and PKH President and CEO Andrew Kelly, who also serves as senior advisor to the UNC System president. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Advancing online education to meet students’ needs
As of the 2024–25 academic year, App State has expanded its online program offerings, launching five App State Online: Flight Path programs supported through the university’s partnership with Project Kitty Hawk (PKH), an ed tech nonprofit funded by the North Carolina General Assembly. This partnership is helping remove barriers to educational access and increase career readiness and advancement, particularly for adult learners in North Carolina.
The university launched two PKH-supported undergraduate programs in fall 2024, in health care management and in supply chain management. Three additional App State Online programs — bachelor’s degrees in accounting, criminal justice, and organizational leadership and learning — came online this spring.
App State Online enrollment — undergraduate and graduate — has increased for the fifth consecutive year, with App State enrolling its largest online student body to date last fall. From fall 2023 to fall 2024, online student enrollment increased by 23.5%, with App State Online students representing 11.7% of the total student population at App State.
All of App State’s online undergraduate and graduate programs are designed to be flexible, are regionally accredited and are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. Learn more about App State Online.
Access the full 2025 U.S. News & World Report “Best Online Programs” rankings.
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US News has named the university a top 3 regional university for innovation, undergraduate teaching and veterans support
App State’s Walker College of Business, business degree programs have been recognized by US News, The Princeton Review, CEO Magazine, Fortune magazine and Forbes magazine
The degree programs in health care management, supply chain management, accounting, criminal justice, and organizational leadership and learning are designed for working adults
Boone campus population held steady for 5th consecutive year as Hickory campus and online enrollment continue growth
About App State Online
Recognized as one of the top online education destinations in the country by U.S. News & World Report, App State Online is designed to meet students wherever they are — whether they are seeking a degree, a credential or looking to sharpen their personal and/or professional skills. Through App State Online, Appalachian State University offers innovative, flexible and accredited undergraduate and graduate programs. Learn more at https://online.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
US News has named the university a top 3 regional university for innovation, undergraduate teaching and veterans support
App State’s Walker College of Business, business degree programs have been recognized by US News, The Princeton Review, CEO Magazine, Fortune magazine and Forbes magazine
The degree programs in health care management, supply chain management, accounting, criminal justice, and organizational leadership and learning are designed for working adults
Boone campus population held steady for 5th consecutive year as Hickory campus and online enrollment continue growth
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