JMU MBA earns spot among top online programs in 2026 U.S. News rankings

James Madison University’s Master of Business Administration program has once again earned national recognition from U.S. News & World Report, ranking #33 among the “Best Online MBA Programs.” The 2026 list evaluated more than 1,850 online degree programs, highlighting institutions that deliver exceptional academic quality and strong support for working professionals. 

“We are honored to again be recognized among the best MBA programs in the nation,” said Program Director Matthew Rutherford. “Our students continue to excel in the classroom and in their careers, and our faculty and staff do a terrific job supporting them.”

That support is especially meaningful for students like recent graduate Anthony Riley (‘12, ‘25M), who says the program had an immediate and lasting impact on his professional growth. “I wanted to broaden my technical acumen and enhance my leadership skills to become a more well‑rounded leader,” he said. “The cohort structure really helped me grow. You’re working with people from very diverse backgrounds, and that makes you think differently about how to solve problems.”

The annual U.S. News & World Report rankings consider factors such as academic reputation, faculty credentials, student engagement, access to technology and affordability. Together, these measures help prospective students identify online programs that maintain high academic standards while meeting the unique demands of remote learning.

For Riley, who chose the program’s Information Security concentration, one of the program’s most defining strengths was the genuine, supportive relationships he formed with instructors. “The professors have real‑life experience, and they bring that into the classroom,” he said. “They’re flexible, they want you to succeed, and they’ll stay after class or meet on another night if you need help.”

The “Best Online Programs” list also examines how closely online offerings mirror the academic rigor of traditional, in‑person programs. JMU’s MBA program consistently earns recognition for delivering a robust curriculum that prepares graduates to lead in dynamic, fast‑changing industries.

As Riley approached the completion of his MBA, he began to think more deliberately about the next phase of his career and the path he wanted to pursue. He says earning the degree when he did played a key role in helping him secure a director position at Capital One. “Beyond helping me secure the role, the experience fundamentally shaped how I think as a leader. It challenged me to broaden both my technical and leadership skill sets, sharpen how I approach complex problems, and learn from my classmates,” he said. 

JMU’s MBA program offers three concentrations: Executive Leadership, Innovation, and Information Security, allowing students to align their coursework with their career goals. All College of Business programs, including the MBA, are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, a distinction held by only the top six percent of business programs worldwide.

For graduates like Riley, those credentials translate into real-world momentum—opening doors, strengthening leadership capacity and reinforcing the value of a JMU education long after graduation. “It wasn’t just a credential,” Riley said, “it was a period of real personal and professional growth.”