Auburn online graduate business programs advance in USNWR rankings

Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business continues to build national momentum in online graduate business education, with its programs earning improved recognition in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings.

The Online MBA program tied for No. 21 nationally, rising from last year’s position and reinforcing Auburn’s long-standing presence among the nation’s top online MBA programs. The program also posted gains in veteran-focused rankings, earning a No. 17 (tie) spot among Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.

Across its full portfolio of online graduate offerings, Harbert College ranked No. 37 for Best Online Graduate Business Programs and No. 21 for Best Online Graduate Business Programs for Veterans, reflecting continued national recognition for both MBA and specialized master’s programs.

“These rankings are especially meaningful because they reflect how well our programs are serving students,” said Michael Wesson, associate dean of Graduate and Executive Programs at Harbert College. “U.S. News looks closely at engagement, faculty quality and outcomes, and our progress tells us that students are finding real value in the experience—and seeing that value translate into meaningful career results.”

U.S. News & World Report evaluates online programs using a combination of institutional data and peer assessments from academic leaders nationwide. The methodology considers factors such as student engagement, faculty credentials, student services and academic outcomes to assess program quality in the online learning environment.

The latest U.S. News recognition adds to a growing list of national accolades for Harbert College’s online graduate programs. Earlier this year, Auburn’s Online MBA climbed to No. 7 nationally in the 2026 Poets & Quants Best Online MBA Programs rankings, continuing a record of consistent top-tier performance since those rankings began in 2019.

Harbert College’s online graduate programs are designed for working professionals and delivered by faculty with deep academic and industry expertise. Across MBA and specialized master’s programs, students benefit from a rigorous curriculum, high-touch support and an online learning environment that emphasizes engagement, practical application and career-relevant outcomes.

Together, Auburn’s strong showings in both U.S. News & World Report and Poets & Quants affirm Harbert College’s commitment to delivering high-quality, student-centered online graduate business education with proven value for professionals nationwide.

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About Harbert College

The Harbert College of Business at Auburn University is a nationally ranked business school offering undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and executive degree programs. Founded in 1967, Harbert College develops business leaders who embody Auburn values, creates knowledge that drives innovation, and shapes the future of business and society.