School Continues Top-Ten Ranking Streak for Online Bachelor’s, Online Bachelor’s for Veterans, and Undergraduate Psychology; Graduate Nursing Program Also Recognized
The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) was once again ranked among the top ten in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, continuing a longstanding pattern of acclaim for its online programs.
In newly released rankings, CUNY SPS was named #9 in the nation on U.S. News & World Report’s list of 2026 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.
Additionally, the School was named #4 in the nation on the publisher’s list of 2026 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans.
Two academic programs were also ranked highly by the publisher.
For the sixth year running, the School’s BA in Psychology was listed among the top ten, earning a ranking of #7 in the nation on U.S. News & World Report’s list of 2026 Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs.
The School’s MS in Nursing program also was named on the list for a second year, earning a #35 in the nation spot on the publisher’s list of 2026 Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs.
“This recognition underscores the continuing status of CUNY SPS as a national leader in online education and speaks to what the school does so well — meeting students where they are," said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “CUNY SPS offers rigorous, high-quality online programs that are affordable, flexible, and built for working adults balancing school,family, and work. These rankings reflect the school’s continued innovation and the important role it plays in expanding opportunity and preparing students for long-term career success.”
“CUNY SPS’ strong performance once again in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings reflect the quality, dedication, and impact of our excellent programs, faculty, staff, and engaged academic community,” said Dr. Lisa R. Braverman, dean of the CUNY School of Professional Studies. “Being recognized nationally for our online bachelor’s programs, our support of veterans, and our graduate education underscores our commitment to deliver accessible, high-quality learning to students from all backgrounds as part of the CUNY mission. We are proud to be a leader in online education and to continue advancing access and excellence for our students.”
Founded in 2003 with a goal to help busy working adults complete their bachelor’s or earn an advanced degree, CUNY SPS has long been recognized by U.S. News & World Report and other ranking institutions for the excellence of its online offerings. The School’s rapidly expanding portfolio currently includes nearly 50 online degree and certificate programs, including ten launched during the 2025-2026 academic year. Among other programs starting this spring, CUNY SPS welcomed inaugural cohorts to its MA in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership and its MS in Generative AI, which stands as the first master’s program of its kind to be offered at CUNY.
This year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings were compiled using a methodology comprised of five weighted categories, including engagement, services and technologies, faculty credentials and training, student excellence, and peer assessment.
Top Ratings Affirmed by Students
For many CUNY SPS students, the latest high rankings by U.S. News & World Report—including the School’s #4 spot on the online bachelor’s for veterans list—come as no surprise.
Corporal John Long, a United States Marine Corp veteran and BA in Communication and Media alum, is one of many student veterans who thrived under the School’s online format and extensive veteran support services. In an article, Long reflected that his online BA program “fit my schedule extremely well, enabling me to attend classes and complete course work while also working full time.”
Long also observed that the School’s flexibility and care benefits active-duty military and members of the reserve as well. “Anyone who has served knows that your time is not your own, and the needs of the service often take precedence over everything else,” he explained. “CUNY SPS gives these students the flexible academic path and understanding faculty that they need in order to achieve their educational goals.”
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With over 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
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