UTA lands top 10 spot in national online rankings
Two online master’s programs at The University of Texas at Arlington ranked among the best in the nation in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings released today.
The College of Education and the College of Nursing and Health Innovation (CONHI) earned national recognition for delivering strong academics to distance learners and also received special accolades for being among the best programs for veterans. The rankings reinforce UTA’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education for graduate and undergraduate students.
The College of Education’s online master’s programs ranked No. 8 out of 323 institutions, a jump of seven spots from the previous year, and No. 4 among online degree programs for veterans. The ranking falls among the top three programs in Texas.
CONHI’s online master’s programs ranked No. 68 out of 201 institutions and No. 17 among programs for veterans.
Ann Cavallo, interim dean of the College of Education, said the national recognition is truly an outstanding honor and reflects their faculty’s continuous strive for excellence.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of our faculty to delivering high-quality education and preparing outstanding teachers and leaders for K-16 schools,” Dr. Cavallo said. “Our programs foster the advancement of essential knowledge and skills and incorporate innovative technology applications, ensuring educators are equipped to meet future needs and support student success.”
The College of Education offers eight fully online master’s degree programs. Depending on the program, students may choose accelerated or traditional timelines, providing them the flexibility needed to complete their studies and receiving the support of faculty committed to student success.
"We are thankful to U.S. News & World Report for recognizing the College of Nursing and Health Innovation’s online programs,” said Mari Tietze, interim chair of graduate nursing. “Not only are we grateful to the esteemed faculty who continue to position UTA as a leading institution, but we are also proud of the level of innovation integrated into the curriculum this past year. This innovation aligns with the new essentials of nursing practice, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, thereby preparing nursing students for today’s digitally-rich health care environment. These accolades are a testament to CONHI’s focus on student needs, on campus and virtually, while providing a world-class education."
CONHI’s Department of Graduate Nursing offers master’s specialty degrees that prepare students for advanced practice, management and research roles in an evolving health care landscape. With a full slate of online and in-person learning options, CONHI programs are led by expert faculty and practitioners.
CONHI sets the standard for nursing education in Texas as the state’s largest producer of baccalaureate-degreed nurses and one of the largest in the nation.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.