NAU Online recognized for reaching students where they are

NAU Online is recognized amongst the top 20% of the nation’s best online programs with several strong placements in the 2025 Best Online Bachelor’s Program rankings released on Tuesday by U.S News & World Report.

Offering high-quality, affordable and flexible online programs designed to mirror the rigor and value of on campus programs has been the guiding principle of NAU Online since its launch more than 25 years ago.

NAU’s reputation as an online education leader has continued in the decades since as evidenced by NAU Online’s recognition in the top 20% of their peers in the 2025 U.S. News & Report Rankings tied for No. 51 out of 350 ranked programs nationally amongst online bachelor’s degree programs. NAU also earned recognition for its strong support for veteran and military-connected online learners.

The online MBA programs ranked significantly higher this year moving from #260 to #75 in the nation. Other NAU Online programs that made the list were:

  • Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, #27
  • Best Online Master’s in Education Programs for Veterans at #28
  • Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs, #35
  • Best Online Master’s in Business Programs for Veterans, #37
  • Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs, #69
  • Best Online Master’s in Business Programs, #93
  • Best Online Master’s in Education Programs, #97
  • Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs, #80

The fully-online programs offered through NAU Online empower the education goals of non-traditional learners of all ages, members of the military, and working professionals who want to increase their value in the workplace by earning a degree that will help them achieve their career goals. NAU Online enrolled 4,901 online students as of Fall 2024 census, which represents more than 17% of the students enrolled at the university.

“We have seen tremendous growth in the online programs that are aligned with regional workforce demand, especially with degrees focused on technology, nursing and healthcare, management, and human services,” said Carmin Chan, vice provost of NAU Online. “This also builds upon NAU’s longstanding reputation for training classroom educators and community leaders across the state.”

Chan said her team has been focused in four guiding priorities; enhancing the academic experience and the online learning environment; developing tailored online student support services; implementing operational improvements; and refining the portfolio of online programs. Each of these goals is focused on offering an intentionally designed online student experience where students feel a sense of belonging as an Online Lumberjack throughout their education journey.

“Our online program rankings are a testament to the dedicated faculty and staff who work together to offer exceptional digital learning opportunities and expand access for students across the southwest region,” said Chan.

Geraldine Begay-Yazzie graduated with a bachelor’s in early childhood education with the support of the NAU Online team.

“What challenged me was that I decided to go back to school at age 56,” Begay-Yazzie said. “The surprise for me is that I finished within three semesters. I overcame the thought that it was too late for me to finish my degree, and to go back to school at my age. I had so many people who helped me get through this journey, the professors, my advisor, my enrollment advisor, and my family.”

Heiley Wingert is an NAU alumna who graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of social work.

“Learning online was exactly what I needed,” Wingert said. “I was able to work independently and get ahead on assignments I knew I needed extra time on. It allowed me to continue working full time, although it was challenging to manage both at times, specifically nearing the end of my program while completing my internship.”

This program is set to continue growing and making improvements. This year, NAU Online will launch several new undergraduate and graduate programs that will lead to high-demand, high-skill, high-wage (H3) careers including degrees focused on technology, business, and the natural environment.

“NAU offers an impressive number of educational partnerships that make NAU more affordable for working professional adult learners from companies, governmental agencies, and school districts across the state,” Chan said. “We also offer competency-based online programs available to students abroad through our partnership with Beacon Education.”

U.S. News & World Report ranks programs based on student engagement; student services and technology; faculty credentials and training; and expert opinion.

NAU Communications