U.S. News: WT Online Programs Rise in National, State Rankings

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — The online bachelor’s program at West Texas A&M University rose to No. 32 in the nation and ranks No. 4 in Texas, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Additionally, WT’s online bachelor’s programs for veterans also rose significantly, to No. 19 from No. 31. The WT program is the No. 1 such program among Texas schools.

Several undergraduate and graduate programs also rank highly state- and nationwide in the new standings, with 11 total programs earning the magazine’s coveted Best Program status: online bachelor’s programs, online bachelor’s programs for veterans, online undergraduate business programs, online MBA, online MBA for veterans, and graduate programs in computer information technology, criminal justice and public administration, education, engineering, business (non-MBA) and nursing.

“West Texas A&M University has a distinguished history of excellence in online education delivery,” said Dr. Neil Terry, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “The current investments in the physical and technological infrastructures that support distance learning, combined with the dedication of faculty and staff, will position the institution for long-run success.”

The overall online bachelor’s program ranking rose from No. 45 in 2024. Also rising in the national rankings: graduate education programs, to No. 114 from No. 127; and graduate engineering programs, to No. 31 from No. 37.

Online MBA programs for veterans ranked No. 62, or No. 7 across Texas schools.

Eight of the 11 WT programs ranked in the top third of U.S. News & World Report’s rankings.

Since 1997, WT has been a pioneer in online learning, fundamentally because it offers students in the Panhandle region and beyond easier access to higher education.

The ranked programs represent WT’s Graduate School, the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business, the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences, the College of Engineering and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

U.S. News evaluated schools based on a variety of factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies.

In its 13th year, the U.S. News Best Online Programs is designed for individuals looking to complete or further their education. This year's edition evaluates more than 1,600 online bachelor's and master's degree programs using metrics specific to online learning. The rankings only include degree-granting programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.

The included programs in the Engler College of Business have been recognized as part of the Best Program rankings for 13 consecutive years.

Prospective students can see how WT compares to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.com.

For more information on the Best Online Programs, explore Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and use #BestOnline.

WT’s commitment to being a learner-centered university is a key component of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

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