The University of Georgia (UGA) continues to excel in the online education landscape, with its degree programs ranking among the nation’s best in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Online Programs rankings, released on January 21.
UGA’s retention rates across online programs remain strong, according to the report, and several of those programs placed in the top 10 nationally. The rankings consider key factors such as student engagement, services, technology, faculty credentials, and peer assessments.
“UGA’s online learning model is distinctive because we develop, design and create all our online courses internally, rather than using an outside vendor,” said Stephen Balfour, director of UGA’s Office of Online Learning. “Our team works hard to ensure our online students receive a high-quality education with career development opportunities and the ability to get to know fellow students in their cohort. Our method seems to be helping with retention. Our online MBA program has a retention rate of 98%, and our Master of Public Health is at 100%, both of which are rare. I think this speaks to the strong student experience our dedicated faculty have worked with us to create.”
The university’s online MBA program boasts a 98% retention rate, while the Master of Public Health program maintains a 100% retention rate – both considered exceptional achievements in the online education sector. High retention rates underscore the effectiveness of continued efforts to engage students, foster community and ensure that they are supported throughout their academic journey, school officials said.
UGA’s Terry College of Business maintained its position among the top 10 for Best Online Master’s in Business Programs for the sixth consecutive year. The college ranks No. 10 overall and No. 7 among public universities, with its online master’s degree in business and technology earning high praise.
The Mary Frances Early College of Education also earned recognition in multiple specialty categories, including:
- No. 3 for Best Online Master’s in Educational/Instructional Media Design Programs
- No. 4 (up 5 spots) for Best Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
