ASU’s Online Nursing and Education Programs Earn Top National Rankings

SAN ANGELO, TX - Angelo State University's graduate nursing and education programs have each been ranked among the top programs nationally for their online degree offerings by U.S. News & World Report for its 2026 edition of "Best Online Programs."

Overall, ASU ranked No. 48 among the 209 U.S. colleges and universities identified by U.S. News & World Report as offering the Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs - and ranked No. 112 among the 333 institutions identified as offering the Best Online Master's in Education Programs. Additionally, ASU ranked No. 35 among the Best Online Master's in Education Programs for Veterans.

"The U.S. News & World Report rankings are the most highly regarded standard for evaluating academic excellence," said Dr. David Bixler, dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Research. "Having two of our programs recognized in these prestigious rankings is a significant achievement and a testament to the quality of graduate education at Angelo State. This recognition also highlights our commitment to offering top-tier online programs accessible to students around the globe."

The criteria used to configure the U.S. News & World Report rankings include weighted scores in five categories:

• Student Engagement (30%)
• Faculty Credentials and Training (20%)
• Peer Assessment (20%)
• Student Services and Technology (20%)
• Student Excellence (10%)

Angelo State's ranking for nursing held steady from 2025, and ASU's ranking for education improved from No. 127 to No. 112.

In the summer of 2023, ASU established a new Center for Digital Learning and Instruction (CDLI) to provide collaborative leadership and vision for the expansion and enhancement of the university's online academic courses and degrees. Since then, ASU's College of Graduate Studies and Research has set new enrollment records for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years, including an 8.36% increase in 2024-25 and a 7.77% increase for 2025-26. There are currently 1,900 graduate students enrolled in ASU degree programs.

More details on ASU's online master's in nursing degree programs are available at angelo.edu/nursing - and more details on ASU's online master's in education degree programs are available at angelo.edu/ci.