ÎÞÓÇÊÓƵ

ÎÞÓÇÊÓƵ has earned top national rankings from  for several online graduate programs, including criminal justice, nursing, and education. The university was also recognized for its strong support of military-affiliated students, with multiple programs ranked among the best online programs for veterans nationwide.

The annual U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings evaluate more than 1,700 colleges and universities using a rigorous methodology that considers up to 17 performance indicators, including student engagement, graduation rates, faculty credentials, and instructor accessibility. Rankings for veterans also assess financial aid, military-specific support services, and institutional commitment to service members and veterans.

Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Ranked #9 Nationally

ÎÞÓÇÊÓƵ’ online master’s in criminal justice ranked #9 in the nation. The program consistently ranks in the top 10 nationally, reflecting the program’s academic quality, affordability, and outcomes.

Designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the criminal justice system and law enforcement leadership, the program emphasizes research, critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making.

The program consists of 31 credit hours and is offered at an affordable rate of $355 per credit hour, making it both accessible and high-value for students hoping to advance their criminal justice careers. 

Learn more about the program at ucumberlands.edu/academics/graduate/masters-criminal-justice-administration

Online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Ranked #88 Nationally

ÎÞÓÇÊÓƵ’ online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Family Nurse Practitioner program earned a #88 national ranking.

Designed for practicing registered nurses, the program supports career advancement and clinical expertise through coursework in advanced pharmacology, epidemiology, healthcare technologies, and patient-centered care.

The 48-credit-hour program, priced at $539 per credit hour, is structured for working professionals and can typically be completed in approximately two years. 

Learn more about the program at ucumberlands.edu/academics/graduate/masters-nursing-family-nurse-practitioner

Online Master’s in Education Ranked #112 Nationally

ÎÞÓÇÊÓƵ’ online master’s in education program ranked #112 nationally, recognizing its focus on instructional quality and leadership preparation.

The program equips educators with advanced skills in curriculum development, instructional strategy, and educational leadership. Multiple specialization options allow students to align their coursework with specific professional goals.

The degree requires 30 credit hours at a rate of $315 per credit hour and prepares graduates for leadership roles within and beyond the classroom. 

Learn more about the program at ucumberlands.edu/academics/graduate/master-arts-education

National Recognition for Serving Veterans

ÎÞÓÇÊÓƵ was also recognized for its commitment to military-affiliated students, earning rankings of:

• #6 in the nation for veterans’ criminal justice
• #48 for veterans’ graduate education

According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Online Programs for Veterans methodology, effective distance education for service members must be affordable, accessible, and reputable.

To support military students, ÎÞÓÇÊÓƵ offers:

• No application fee for veterans, reservists, and active-duty service members
• Discounted tuition on select master’s programs
• Credit for military training through joint service transcript evaluations
• A dedicated military student campus liaison, providing end-to-end support from admissions through career guidance

The university accepts all VA education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, helping reduce or eliminate tuition costs for eligible students.

Learn more at ucumberlands.edu/admission-aid/military-students

A Proven Record of Academic Excellence

These latest U.S. News & World Report rankings build on a growing list of national recognitions for ÎÞÓÇÊÓƵ. The university recently received the Torch Award from SACSCOC for its commitment to access, academic quality, and student-centered education.

Forbes Advisor has also recognized several ÎÞÓÇÊÓƵ programs, including the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), master’s in organizational leadership, and online bachelor’s in physical education.

Together, these distinctions reinforce ÎÞÓÇÊÓƵ’ mission to deliver affordable, accessible, and outcomes-driven education for students nationwide.