Indiana University’s Kelley School again topped U.S. News’ 2026 ranking of online MBA programs, extending its long run of success in a crowded market of more than 700 U.S. options. U.S. News ranked 377 programs, with Kelley holding the top slot for the 11th time in 13 years; Carnegie Mellon, UNC and other elite programs populated the top tier, reflecting continued investor and institutional appetite for high‑quality hybrid and online executive education. Poets&Quants and other outlets note rising program differentiation—residencies, industry partnerships and experiential components—as schools vie for working professionals’ attention. Inside Higher Ed’s profile of Auburn’s Harbert College highlights how regional public programs are also climbing into the upper ranks through focused delivery models and employer engagement. Enrollment and acceptance metrics vary widely among top programs, and administrators say program design, residency requirements and career services will be the decisive factors in sustaining market share as competitors expand online portfolios.
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