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William Paterson University’s undergraduate and graduate degree-granting online programs have been ranked among the nation’s best in U.S. News & World Report’s newly released 2026 rankings of Best Online Programs.
The rankings include only degree-granting programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions. U.S. News evaluates these programs based on a variety of factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies.
William Paterson’s rankings include:
“We are proud to be recognized by U.S. News for our success in providing life-changing degrees to a wide variety of students across New Jersey and beyond through our thriving WP Online platform,” said President Richard J. Helldobler. “WP Online has dramatically expanded access to an excellent William Paterson education and leverages our long record of excellence as a leading public university.”
In addition, William Paterson is included on U.S. News’ list of Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans and Best Online MBA programs for Veterans. To be included, programs must rank in the top 50 percent of the program rankings, belong to an institution eligible for the G.I. Bill, and have enrolled at least 25 veterans/active-duty service members for undergraduate programs, or 10 such students for graduate programs.
William Paterson is a leader in online education in New Jersey. Overall, through its fully online platform, WP Online, the University offers 56 fully online degree programs and 20 certificate programs in a wide range of fields including business, healthcare, education, the humanities, and the social sciences. Through its College of Adult and Professional Studies, William Paterson provides innovative approaches to meeting the specific needs of adult learners, including credit for prior learning (CPL) through testing, portfolio assessment of related work experience, and credit equivalency options for professional training and credentials, along with a wide range of wraparound support services.
William Paterson has the fastest-growing graduate enrollment in New Jersey, and the University awarded more MBA degrees than any other institution in 2024. In addition, the University’s nursing enrollment is the largest on any single campus in the state.
