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 “2026 Best Online Programs” rankings. Pictured, two Mountaineer students smile while working on their laptops. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University is ranked in the top 18% of U.S. colleges and universities for best online bachelor’s programs, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 “Best Online Programs,” released Jan. 27.
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.
“App State’s significant growth in online student enrollment — which has steadily climbed for six years in a row — is a clear reflection of the quality that distinguishes our App State Online programs in an increasingly competitive marketplace,” said App State Chancellor Heather Norris.
She added, “Students choose App State for their online education because they recognize our institution’s long-standing reputation for academic rigor, innovation and graduates who make meaningful contributions to their fields.”
All of App State’s online undergraduate and graduate programs are designed to be flexible, are regionally accredited and are taught by faculty who are experts in their fields.
U.S. News evaluated nearly 1,850 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for the 2026 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.
App State Online programs in business, education and nursing have been recognized among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, which named the university in its “2026 Best Online Programs” rankings. Pictured, an App State student works on her laptop in the Plemmons Student Union Solarium on App State’s Boone campus. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
Bachelor’s business programs achieve top national 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 six consecutive years. App State was named to the top 50 schools in the list, placing the university within the top 18% of recognized institutions.
App State Online’s BSBA degree programs in management, marketing, 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 marketing, 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’ “2026 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 16 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-affiliated 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 eight consecutive years.
App State Online programs in business, education and nursing have been recognized among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, which named the university in its “2026 Best Online Programs” rankings. Pictured is a Mountaineer student working on their laptop. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
MBA program ranks within top 21% of nationwide programs
The university’s internationally recognized online Master of Business Administration program was ranked within the top 21% of schools recognized in U.S. News’ 2026 “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.
Master’s education programs advance to top 15% of nationwide programs
The university placed within the top 15% of schools recognized for online master’s education programs as part of U.S. News’ “2026 Best Online Programs” rankings list.
App State offers nine 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 elementary education
- Master of Arts in higher education and student affairs
- 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
App State Online programs in business, education and nursing have been recognized among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, which named the university in its “2026 Best Online Programs” rankings. A Mountaineer student is pictured using her laptop. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Among nation’s best online nursing programs
App State was one of 209 schools across the nation named to U.S. News’ 2026 “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.
In fall 2026, App State will launch its new Doctor of Nursing Practice-Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) program — a part-time, hybrid program designed to educate family practice nurse practitioners and respond to health care provider shortages, especially in rural areas. Students will complete coursework primarily online and spend one week of each semester at the App State Hickory campus, where they will engage in intensive skill development utilizing the high-tech nursing simulation laboratory space that is scheduled to open to students this fall. App State’s DNP-FNP program is accepting applications; prospective students are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline, Feb. 1.
Jennifer White, director of health care simulation and innovation learning in App State’s Department of Nursing, right, views Dr. Melinda Bogardus, assistant professor in the nursing department, center, and App State senior nursing major Kimber Blackburn, of Clayton, left, as they engage in a hands-on exercise with a simulation mannequin in the Beaver College of Health Sciences’ Healthcare Simulation Lab, located in the Levine Hall of Health Sciences. Students in App State’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program, to begin this fall, will spend one week of each semester engaged in intensive skill development at App State’s Hickory campus, utilizing the high-tech nursing simulation laboratory space that is scheduled to open at the campus this fall. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Expanding access to innovative online education
This spring, App State has expanded its online program offerings through the launch of a new App State Online: Flight Path program — a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
App State’s Flight Path programs are supported through the university’s partnership with Project Kitty Hawk (PKH), an ed tech nonprofit funded by the North Carolina General Assembly that partners with University of North Carolina System institutions to provide online student support services tailored to nontraditional learners, as well as to align education and workforce development systems. This partnership is helping remove barriers to educational access and increase career readiness and advancement, particularly for adult learners in North Carolina.
The university introduced five PKH-supported undergraduate programs in the 2024–25 academic year:
- Accounting
- Criminal justice
- Health care management
- Organizational leadership and learning
- Supply chain management
App State Online enrollment — has increased for the sixth consecutive year, with App State enrolling 3,216 online students in the fall 2025 semester. From fall 2024 to fall 2025, online student enrollment increased by nearly 28%, with App State Online students representing more than 16% of the total student population at App State in spring 2026. Students enrolled in App State’s Project Kitty Hawk-supported Flight Path programs account for 18% of App State’s online student population and have a first- to second-year persistence rate of 90%.
Learn more about App State Online.
Access the full 2026 U.S. News & World Report “Best Online Programs” rankings.
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The program, launching in fall 2026, will develop the next generation of rural health care leaders
US News names App State a top 5 regional university for innovation, undergraduate teaching and veterans support
Walker College of Business and its bachelor’s, master’s programs recognized by U.S. News, The Princeton Review, CEO Magazine and Fortune magazine
Online and transfer enrollment records drive strategic growth across university, while Boone enrollment remains steady
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, cost-effective education. 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.
The program, launching in fall 2026, will develop the next generation of rural health care leaders
US News names App State a top 5 regional university for innovation, undergraduate teaching and veterans support
Walker College of Business and its bachelor’s, master’s programs recognized by U.S. News, The Princeton Review, CEO Magazine and Fortune magazine
Online and transfer enrollment records drive strategic growth across university, while Boone enrollment remains steady
