The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has achieved significant recognition in the recent U.S. News & World Report rankings for online programs.

The university’s online master’s degree in Criminal Justice ranked 15th, marking a jump of 12 spots from the previous year. Additionally, the online MBA program also saw a significant increase, surging 66 positions to 136th, along with other business programs improving their standings.

In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs Rankings, U.S. News evaluated nearly 1,850 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, with UTRGV ranking in five categories for regionally accredited institutions whose programs are mostly or entirely offered online.

Other notable UTRGV rankings included:

• 82nd in Best Online Master’s in Business Programs (excluding MBA) (tie)
• 147th in Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs (tie)
• 263rd – 348th in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs

UTRGV’s criminal justice program has consistently ranked on this list. In 2024, it held the 26th position, but fell to 27th place in 2025. This year, UTRGV tied with the University of Cincinnati. In Texas, the program ranked second in public universities and was only one of two University of Texas System schools in the top 12, the other was University of Texas at Tyler.

Dr. Giorgio Gotti, dean of the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, said this recognition is external validation of the college’s ongoing efforts to enhance academic quality, student support, and workforce relevance, reinforcing its reputation for delivering high-value graduate education with strong outcomes.

“The jump in our online MBA ranking from No. 202 to No. 136 nationally is a powerful signal that the quality and impact of our programs are being recognized at a national level,” Gotti said.

The college also saw a significant improvement in the rankings for the Best Online Master’s in Business Programs category, which climbed 32 spots from 114th in 2025.

He attributed the significant rise in the college’s rankings to sustained, institution-wide efforts.

“Our faculty have been deeply committed to continuously strengthening online delivery while maintaining academic rigor, and our staff have done exceptional work supporting students from admission through graduation,” he said.

UTRGV’s MBA and Master’s in Business Programs ranked seventh among Texas public universities. In the UT System, the MBA online placed second while the Master’s in Business Programs was third.

Looking ahead, Gotti said that online graduate education will remain a central focus for the college’s future.

“We will continue to innovate in curriculum design, experiential learning and career alignment, ensuring our programs remain competitive nationally and responsive to regional and global workforce needs. These rankings affirm that we are moving in the right direction, and we intend to build on that momentum.”