Poets&Quants’ 2026 online MBA ranking shows acceptance rates and selectivity are again central to program differentiation. Indiana University’s Kelley topped the list for selectivity with a 23% acceptance rate; other leading programs showed varying year‑over‑year shifts as schools calibrated admissions standards. The ranking weights admission standards as a key metric, arguing a tighter cohort raises program rigor and student outcomes. Online programs reported acceptance‑rate changes tied to demand fluctuations, application volume and evolving admission criteria. For registrars and enrollment managers, the data reinforce a pivot from chasing headcount to shaping cohort quality. The rankings will influence yield management, marketing to adult learners, and employer partnerships that support OMBA pipelines.