Excellence in Online Education
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) has solidified its reputation as a leader in online education, with nine of its programs earning national recognition in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The rankings highlight the university’s commitment to high-quality online education, with three undergraduate and six graduate programs making the list. Notably, two programs secured positions in the top 10, while two others placed in the top 30 nationwide.
Online education continues to gain prominence, providing students with flexibility, accessibility, and cost-effective learning options. These programs cater to a diverse range of learners, enabling them to manage academic, professional, and personal responsibilities simultaneously. N.C. A&T’s success in this domain underscores its dedication to expanding learning opportunities and equipping students with essential skills to compete in an evolving job market.
Strong Rankings, Especially for Veterans
N.C. A&T’s performance in the World Report rankings was particularly notable in programs serving veterans. The university ranked sixth among online master’s in information technology programs for veterans, 21st for online bachelor’s programs for veterans—tying with Pennsylvania State University and two others—26th for online master’s in education programs for veterans, and 42nd for online MBA programs for veterans.
Beyond veteran-specific rankings, N.C. A&T’s online master’s in information technology program tied for 10th place alongside Rice and Boston universities. The university’s online bachelor’s programs tied for 39th with 11 other institutions, while the online MBA program secured the 72nd position, sharing the spot with two other schools. Additionally, its online master’s in education program tied for 85th with 11 universities, and the online bachelor’s in business program was ranked 87th in collaboration with eight schools.
Dr. Tonya B. Amankwatia, assistant vice provost for Distance Education and Extended Learning, emphasized the university’s commitment to accessible education. “At N.C. A&T, we are dedicated to providing high-quality learning experiences that are flexible and supportive. These World Report rankings reflect the hard work of our faculty, advisors, and staff who make it possible for learners to thrive in an ever-changing educational landscape,” she said.
Expanding Online Learning and Enrollment Growth
The recognition comes at a time of significant growth for N.C. A&T’s online and in-person education programs. The university also offers online certificate programs, further expanding its educational reach. Last fall, N.C. A&T set a new enrollment record with 14,311 students on campus.
The number of students opting for online courses has seen a considerable rise in the 2024-25 academic year. Students enrolled in a mix of online and in-person courses increased by 550, reaching a total of 7,698. Additionally, for the first time, the number of students exclusively taking online courses exceeded 1,700, marking a 5.5% increase from the previous year.
Over the past five years, the percentage of online courses at N.C. A&T has doubled, along with a corresponding rise in online degree and certificate program enrollments. The university’s continued investment in distance education ensures that learners from various backgrounds can access quality education, reinforcing its standing as a leader in the field.