East Texas A&M Recognized for Top Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report

East Texas A&M earned top ratings from U.S. News & World Report for several online degree programs, reflecting the university’s commitment to excellence and innovation in online education.

Graduate smiles with graduation cap on her head and holding blue diploma cover in front of her in both hands. The round university seal is behind her.

East Texas A&M University's online bachelor's programs are #2 in Texas, according to the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings were released on January 21. East Texas A&M placed in the nation's top 30% in five online degree programs for 2025.

East Texas A&M's top online programs

These rankings highlight the university's commitment to providing high-quality online education across multiple disciplines.

Best Online Bachelor's Programs

  • #2 in Texas (tied with University of North Texas)
  • Top 7% nationally (25 out of 357 ranked schools–tie)

Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs

  • #5 in Texas (tied with University of Texas Rio Grande Valley)
  • Top 27% nationally (27 out of 101 schools–tie)

Best Online Graduate Business Programs (Excluding MBA)

  • #5 in Texas (tied with University of Houston–Bauer)
  • Top 30% nationally (66 out of 221 ranked schools–tie)

Best Online Master's in Education Program

  • #8 in Texas
  • Top 27% nationally (85 out of 320 ranked schools)

Best Online MBA Programs

  • #8 in Texas (tied with Sam Houston State University)
  • Top 27% nationally (100 out of 366 ranked schools–tie)

All five online degree programs rose in the rankings from 2024, reflecting the university's ongoing efforts to enhance educational quality and accessibility.

Dr. April Sanders, dean of the College of Innovation and Design, said East Texas A&M is proud to be a state and national leader in online degree programs.

“These rankings reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional online education that meets the evolving needs of today’s students,” Sanders said. “By combining innovative teaching methods with rigorous academic standards, we’ve created online programs that not only rank among Texas’s best but truly transform our students’ lives and careers.”

The evaluation process

U.S. News evaluates online degree programs using four weighted categories: student engagement, technology resources, faculty credentials and training, and peer assessment. These categories collectively highlight the quality of a university’s online programs. The Office of Institutional Research led the process in partnership with deans and department heads, working diligently to complete and submit the required documentation.

“We worked very hard, combed through all the questions, and verified large amounts of data,” said Dr. Dan Su, executive director of Institutional Research. “This process was valuable because it helps us reflect on and assess what we have been doing and how we can improve.”

Su congratulated the programs recognized in the 2025 rankings. “Achieving these prestigious academic rankings brings well-deserved distinction to East Texas A&M,” she said.

U.S. News & World Report rankings are widely regarded as the most authoritative and extensively used ranking system for higher education by prospective students, families, leaders and policy officials.

For more details on East Texas A&M's rankings, visit U.S. News & World Report.

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