U.S. News & World Report ranks Rutgers No. 12 for best online master's in business

U.S. News & World Report recently published its rankings of “Best Online Master's in Business Programs” that are not MBAs. Rutgers Business School’s online master’s programs were ranked No. 12 overall out of 235 programs in the U.S.

Rutgers Business School tied with Florida International University and Boston University, a private school.

The ranking placed Rutgers Business School No. 9 among U.S. public business schools and No. 4 in the Big Ten. It was also ranked No. 8 in the nation for the best online master's in business programs for veterans. [see full rankings]. 

 “Highly ranked programs have strong traditional academic foundations based on the excellence of entering students, graduation rates, and instructor credentials,” U.S. News said in its report. “They also excel at educating distance learners while offering robust career and financial support...These institutions have the best online master's degree programs in business that are not MBAs."

With 437 students enrolled in Rutgers Business School's online master’s programs, RBS has the 24th-largest cohort in the nation among 235 schools included in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings. 

In the report, the Rutgers online specialty masters were ranked:

• No. 5 for Marketing 
• No. 5 for Supply Chain Management 
• No. 7 for Accounting 

Dean Lei Lei congratulated program directors, Stacy Smollin Schwartz (Digital Marketing), Rudi Leuschner (Supply Chain Management), Irfan Bora (Governmental Accounting), and Guang Ma (Accounting & Analytics), and all of the faculty and staff members who help "deliver an outstanding online student learning experience.”

Stacy Smollin Schwartz, assistant professor of professional practice and director of the Master of Science in Digital Marketing program, said being ranked No. 5 in the nation reflects the quality and commitment our faculty bring to every course. “The demand for digital-first, analytically grounded strategic marketers has never been higher,” said Smollin Schwartz. “This recognition affirms that our program is rising to meet it.” 

Associate Professor Rudi Leuschner, who is director of the Master of Supply Chain Management program, said the continued recognition of the ranking by U.S. News and World Report reflects the strength of the program’s students, the rigor and relevance of our curriculum, and the dedication of our faculty and staff. “This ranking verifies the value we deliver to students and the impact our graduates are making across industries,” Leuschner said. 

With more than 30 years of experience in delivering online programming, Rutgers Business School’s Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accounting recently transitioned its annual Governmental Accounting and Auditing Update Conference to an online format, boosting attendance and facilitating deeper discussion on critical issues in the field.  

“The master's program and the conference highlight Rutgers Business School’s dedication to excellence in governmental accounting and public financial management,” said Irfan Bora, associate professor and program director. “The unique online format of the Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accounting attracts students from every state aiming for careers in public financial management or looking to enhance their skills.”   

Rutgers Business School also ranked highly for a revamped accounting program that offers students coursework in analytics.

“Achieving a Top 7 national ranking for our Master of Accountancy in Accounting & Analytics program reflects the dedication of our faculty and our continued curriculum innovation,” said Guang Ma, associate professor and the program director. "As the profession rapidly evolves with AI, we prepare students with rigorous accounting fundamentals and applied analytics skills to thrive in today’s data-driven roles and to grow with the job market." 

The ranking methodology included five comprehensive factors, including student engagement, peer assessment, faculty credentials and training, student excellence, and services and technologies [see full methodology]. 

-Sean Ireland