3 Online Degree Programs Crack the Rankings Top 10 

NC State just notched another year of strong performance in the U.S. News & World Report rankings of the nation’s best online college degrees, with three programs breaking into the top 10 in 2024.

The biggest jump came for the Leadership in the Public Sector online bachelor’s program in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, which climbed 14 spots from No. 18 last year to No. 4 today. 

Two other programs entered the top 10 this year: the master’s in electrical engineering went from No. 11 in 2023 to No. 8 today, and the master’s in mechanical engineering ascended from No. 11 last year to No. 5 in 2024. 

Two more programs that ranked in the top 10 last year climbed even higher in 2024. The online business analytics program in the Jenkins MBA rose from No. 8 to No. 7, and the online master’s in civil engineering jumped from No. 6 to No. 3.

The online master’s in education, after jumping 16 spots last year to No. 30, climbed again this year to finish at No. 27. 

Also ranking in the nation’s top 20 in their fields are the master’s in computer information technology (No. 18) and the master’s in engineering (No. 19).

In addition, a number of NC State’s programs were also ranked as top online options for veterans, including the master’s in engineering, master’s in education and Jenkins MBA. 

U.S. News scores online programs by evaluating student engagement opportunities, faculty credentials and training, peer assessments, services and technologies, and student excellence. The complete list of U.S. News rankings of NC State’s online programs for 2024 is available at the organization’s website.