UNC Charlotte continues to set the pace in online education, earning No. 1 in North Carolina and No. 4 nationally for online bachelor’s programs in the 2026 rankings from U.S. News & World Report. It marks the fifth straight year the University has ranked among the nation’s top 10.
The latest rankings also deliver a major new honor. UNC Charlotte placed No. 2 nationally and No. 1 in North Carolina for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, reflecting strong program quality and veterans-focused affordability.
“UNC Charlotte’s continued national recognition reflects a sustained focus on academic quality, student support and providing an accessible education,” said Jennifer Troyer, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs in a press release. “Our online programs are designed to deliver the same rigor, relevance and outcomes students expect from Charlotte, in formats that meet the realities of today’s learners.”
UNC Charlotte’s online business offerings also stood out. The University ranked No. 32 nationally and No. 1 in North Carolina for online bachelor’s business programs. Meanwhile, its online MBA posted the school’s biggest year-over-year gain, jumping 54 spots to No. 136.
Graduate programs added more national recognition. UNC Charlotte ranked No. 22 for online nursing, No. 18 for education, and No. 12 for special education. Engineering also climbed to No. 56, up seven places from last year.
Looking ahead, the University plans to expand again in 2026. New online programs include Computer Science, Special Education and General Curriculum, and Economics, pending approval. With those additions, UNC Charlotte will offer 13 fully online bachelor’s programs and 54 fully online graduate programs, widening access for learners across the region and beyond.
