NC State’s College of Education is ranked #20 in the nation in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Master’s in Education Programs rankings announced Jan. 22, 2025. That is a jump of seven spots over last year and an improvement of 26 spots since 2022.
“This increased rise in our rankings continues to reflect the depth of our faculty and staff expertise and the outstanding work they do, drawing on their innovative and impactful scholarship to create online learning opportunities that provide high-quality, inclusive experiences to master’s students across North Carolina and beyond,” said NC State College of Education Dean Paola Sztajn. “This work aligns with our commitment to preparing extraordinary educators, counselors, leaders and other professionals in ways that allow them to succeed wherever they are, also honoring that many of them undertake their degree program while balancing other life responsibilities.”
This year, U.S. News ranked 314 schools across the nation that offer online master’s degrees based on five categories: engagement, faculty credentials and training, peer assessment, services and technology, and student excellence. Among these ranking indicators, the College of Education saw increases in its peer assessment and student excellence scores.
In the 2025 rankings, the College of Education also ranked #1 in North Carolina and #7 in the nation for online education programs for veterans. The veteran rankings are based on accessibility to internet-based coursework, affordability, number of students with military backgrounds and factors related to academic quality, such as faculty credentials and retention rates.