VCU news

By VCU News staff

Four programs offered by Virginia Commonwealth University have been ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 list of the best online programs.

“In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of postsecondary options and opportunities, online education is becoming an increasingly competitive space,” said Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “VCU is rising to this challenge with cutting-edge online programs, which again are recognized among the nation’s best. We celebrate the remarkable faculty and staff who drive these VCU programs forward, and the program graduates who personify their excellence and impact in their careers.”

Announced today, the publication’s annual list included two online programs of the VCU School of Education. VCU tied for No. 27 in the category of Best Online Master’s in Education Programs, up from No. 45 in 2024. U.S. News also ranked VCU in a tie for No. 14 in Best Online Master’s in Special Education Programs.

“Our strong rankings reflect our commitment to preparing educators to excel in diverse settings and drive transformative change,” said Kathleen M. Rudasill, Ph.D., professor and interim dean of the School of Education. “The VCU School of Education offers innovative, flexible programs that equip graduates with the tools and knowledge to address the evolving needs of students, schools and communities. To help address critical challenges in education, several of these online Master of Education programs are eligible for our VCU Educator Rate, which offers significant tuition savings for in-state and out-of-state students.”

The VCU College of Engineering ranked No. 22 in the Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs list, rising 30 spots from No. 52 in 2024.

“The rise in our ranking is a testament to the quality of our graduate programs and the partnership between our faculty and students,” said Azim Eskandarian, D.Sc., the Alice T. and William H. Goodwin Jr. dean of the College of Engineering. “By working diligently with each cohort, this program boasts a 94% graduation rate, which is extraordinary in engineering education. Additionally, VCU Engineering’s engagement with corporate partners has enabled students to take advantage of external funding to support their education, eliminating or minimizing any debt upon graduation.”

The VCU School of Business ranked No. 65 in the category of Best Online Master’s in MBA Programs.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked online higher education programs for the last 13 years. For the 2025 edition, the publication assessed approximately 1,780 degree-granting programs that offer predominantly online classes needed to complete the degree.

Including the new online program rankings, VCU now has 23 graduate programs ranked among the Top 50 by U.S. News.