WKU News

U.S. News & World Report has once again recognized Western Kentucky University among the top institutions for online learning, ranking WKU’s online bachelor’s programs No. 71 in the nation. 

The 2025 rankings were determined based on factors such as program engagement, services and technology, faculty credentials and training, and expert opinion. According to the report, “U.S. News chose factors that weigh how these programs are being delivered and their effectiveness at awarding affordable degrees in a reasonable amount of time.” 

“It is truly exciting to see how innovation and collaboration between the WKU Online team and our academic programs have delivered such remarkable results,” said Dr. Jay Carroll, Assistant Director of WKU Online.  

WKU’s Online bachelor program climbed from 90th to 71st this year, reflecting the university’s commitment to accessible and high-quality education. Designed to accommodate busy schedules, WKU’s online courses allow learners to earn a degree without putting life on hold. Courses are taught by experienced faculty who also teach on campus, ensuring that online learners receive the same exceptional education as in-person students. 

Dr. Carroll stated, “These new rankings reflect the quality of education that results from the partnership between our dedicated instructional designers and online faculty, the commitment of our Student Support Specialists who seek to improve student experiences and GPAs, and the excellent outreach provided by our Recruitment and Resource Specialists who have increased our program enrollments.”  

Several individual programs also earned impressive rankings this year. WKU’s online undergraduate business program ranked No. 41 in the nation. The veteran’s bachelor’s program rose to No. 37, the veteran’s MBA program climbed to No. 49, and veteran’s graduate education was ranked No. 31. Additionally, the MBA program earned a ranking of No. 75, and graduate education secured No. 104. 

WKU offers over 80 online degree options, including certificate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs. All programs are regionally accredited. 

For information about online degree programs at WKU, visit www.wku.edu/online or call (270) 745-5173.

For more information about the U.S. News rankings, visit: U.S News Online Rankings 

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Western Kentucky University prides itself on positioning its students, faculty and staff for long term success. As a student-centered, applied research university, WKU helps students expand on classroom learning by integrating education with real-world applications in the communities we serve. Our hilltop campus is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which was recently named by Reader’s Digest as one of the nicest towns in America, just an hour’s drive from Nashville, Tennessee.