By Amanda Respess 

G eorgia College & State University’s online master’s degree programs have again been ranked among the nation’s best, earning four top-five designations among all regional universities in the South, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings, released today. 

GCSU’s online nursing master’s program ranked No. 1 in the Regional Universities - South category. The program is No. 30 nationwide out of a total of 201 institutions in the category, placing it in the top 15%. 

In the Regional South, GCSU’s online master’s degree in criminal justice also ranked No. 1, the online MBA tied for No. 4, and the online master’s degree in education ranked No. 5. All four online graduate programs are ranked in the Top 100 nationwide out of the hundreds of colleges and universities included in U.S. News’ report. 

“These top rankings in online education reflect Georgia College & State University’s unwavering commitment to the student experience at every level,” said University President Cathy Cox. “Through our 47 different graduate programs and certificates, our faculty members provide students unique and meaningful learning experiences, whether in-person or online. We understand that graduate students often need flexibility to pursue secondary degrees, and we’re dedicated to providing those virtual learning options without sacrificing the personal connections that make GCSU so special.” 

The Georgia College Web MBA saw the greatest improvement in its rank year-over-year, jumping from No. 135 nationally to No. 90 and cracking the Top 100 programs in the country. There are 394 institutions in the field of U.S News’ Online MBA rankings this year, putting GCSU in the top 25%. 

Web MBA student Britton Powell began the program this past fall, at the same time his son Luke also entered the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business & Technology as a traditional freshman on the Milledgeville campus. 

“I’ve worked in the startup world for the last eight years and realized there are gaps in my knowledge on the business side of things that I need to fill,” said Britton Powell, noting that the networking opportunities featured in GCSU’s programs add extra value. 

GCSU’s popular online master’s program from the John H. Lounsbury College of Education maintained its status, remaining in the top 30% of programs in a field of 323 institutions nationwide. 

Virtual programs at Georgia College & State University are available exclusively to master’s students. Undergraduate course offerings — which contributed to GCSU being ranked as the No. 5 public university in the South by U.S. News & World Report last year — are offered only in-person, guaranteeing students hands-on experiential learning opportunities in intimate classroom settings. 

U.S. News & World Report bases its rankings on metrics such as student engagement, faculty credentials and training, expert opinion and student services/technology. U.S. News designates Georgia College & State University as a Regional University, one of 133 such institutions in a wide region from Arkansas on the west to Virginia on the east coast.