MANHATTAN — For today's learners, higher education must be as adaptable as the lives they lead. Built with flexibility at their core, Kansas State University's online programs support learners balancing careers, family responsibilities and full schedules, offering accessible faculty support and self-paced coursework.
Kelsy Sproul, a graduate teaching assistant for the K-State College of Education's Rural Education Center, has built her entire educational path online — graduating with her Bachelor of Science in elementary education in 2024 and working toward her Master of Science in curriculum and instruction, which she's anticipated to graduate with in the fall of 2026. As a first-generation, non-traditional college student, Sproul says that her worries surrounding finding support quickly subsided after starting her K-State journey."I was nervous about not receiving the level of mentorship that in-person classes offer. I had taken a few courses online through other institutions, and while the courses were very flexible, they weren't very personal," Sproul said. "Success is never achieved alone, and K-State understands that. Not only is the content fantastic, but the mentorship is strong. The faculty teach the whole student, model what they teach and ensure you have all the support you need to be successful."
Sproul's story is just one example of why K-State's online programs have been ranked among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026 Best Online Program Rankings.
Culture of excellence
Ranking alongside institutions such as North Carolina State, Pennsylvania State – World Campus, the University of Alabama and Purdue University, K-State posted gains across several categories, including Best Online Bachelor's Programs, which climbed 28 spots from 2025.
The university's online programs were recognized for academic quality, student support and program accessibility, earning nine repeat rankings and one first-time recognition.
- Best Online Bachelor's Programs — No. 38
- Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans — No. 25
- Best Online Bachelor's in Business Programs — No. 24
- Best Online Master's in Business Programs — No. 37
- Best Online Master's in Engineering Programs — No. 36
- Best Online Master's in Education Programs — No. 18
- Best Online Master's in Education Programs for Veterans — No. 8
- Best Online MBA Programs — No. 26
- Best Online Master's in Info Tech Programs — No. 62, first-time recognition
- Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans — No. 20