Three online programs at the University of New Mexico (UNM) have been ranked among the top 100 in the latest U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Online Programs, with the Bachelor’s in Business program reaching No. 47, its highest placement.
“We are pleased to see that US News recognizes the thought and care that UNM is putting into delivering high quality online programs for online students in New Mexico and beyond,” said Elisha Allen, director of Online Strategies and Academic Technologies. “From the excellence of our faculty, personalized support from our staff, and state investments in scholarships and educational institutions, UNM is proud to offer high quality online programs that prioritize student success at a cost that is difficult to match anywhere outside of New Mexico.
“The improvements in our rankings are both an acknowledgement of the work that UNM is doing to provide a quality experience, and an indicator of the direction we are headed in the future,” he added.
The university also entered a new category this year with its Bachelor’s for Veterans program ranked No. 72. Other notable placements include a tie for No. 75 for its Master’s program in Information Technology and No. 79 for Master’s in Engineering programs. In total, eight UNM online programs were included in this survey, which evaluates U.S.-based degree-granting online offerings. Except for its bachelor’s and Veterans programs, all other UNM offerings were rated as best in New Mexico.
The full list of rankings includes:
– Bachelor’s in Business Program: No. 47
– Master’s in Information Technology Program: No. 75
– Master’s in Engineering Program: No. 79
– Master’s in Business Program (excluding MBA): No. 112
– MBA Program: No. 136
– Master’s in Education Program: No. 165
– Online Bachelor’s Program: No. 113
Several programs saw significant improvements compared to previous years.
“UNM Anderson School of Management’s strong movement in the U.S. News & World Report Online Education rankings reflects the intentional, strategic efforts we have made to enhance the quality, reach, and impact of our online programs,” said Anderson School of Management Dean Alina Chircu. “Being recognized across multiple disciplines affirms that our online education model is effective and that our faculty and staff are delivering high-value, learner-focused education to students in New Mexico and beyond.”
“Over the past few years, we’ve focused on building programs that combine academic quality, strong instructional design, comprehensive assessment, continuous improvement, and meaningful support for students at every stage: whether they’re advancing their careers, changing fields, or returning to school,” added ASM Associate Dean Reilly White.
“UNM Online played a meaningful role in strengthening the student experience for online business majors, which likely contributed to the improvement in UNM’s U.S. News ranking,” said Allen. “Every semester, UNM Online communicates directly with enrolled online students to ensure they are aware of the academic, career, and wellness resources available to support their success.”
UNM Online offers specialized advising services for current students as well as guidance for prospective ones while overseeing course scheduling processes intended to make registration easier and reduce barriers; it also supports faculty with teaching resources and compliance matters.
The College of Education and Human Sciences’ master’s program rose significantly this year as well—a change attributed by Dean Kristopher Goodrich to ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening academic quality while expanding access statewide through partnerships such as those with branch campuses like Gallup.
“The College of Education and Human Sciences is proud to note that its online education programs rose 56 places in the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings, continuing to be recognized as the highest-ranked online teacher education programs in the state,” said Goodrich. “Central to this work are long-standing partnerships with UNM’s branch campuses, particularly in Gallup where a full range of teacher education programs are expanding access, strengthening the educator workforce,and supporting culturally responsive community-engaged preparation.
“These results affirm the impact of a collaborative statewide approach to teacher preparation — one that advances educational equity,supports workforce development,and extends The University land-grant mission through high-quality online learning.”
UNM has more than 200,000 alumni worldwide who have contributed significantly across various fields according to its official website. The university serves over 24,000 students on main and branch campuses as reported here, features Pueblo Revival architecture on campus here, provides cultural resources such as libraries,museums,galleries,and performance spaces while promoting diversity here,and has received national recognition among public schools including top placements by U.S.News & World Report here.
