February 3, 2026
Ferris State online programs post dramatic gains in U.S. News & World Report rankings, helping students advance in careers
Ferris State University’s online programs posted dramatic gains in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, with its online bachelor’s degree programs surging nearly 160 spots nationwide and its online Master of Information Security and Intelligence program earning a place among the top programs in the country.
For its 14th annual evaluation of distance education, U.S. News & World Report reviewed more than 1,800 online bachelor’s and master’s degree completion programs across the United States. Programs were assessed on student engagement, faculty credentials, services and technologies, and peer reputation.
“This recognition reflects both the quality and the growing reach of Ferris State’s online programs,” said Linda M. Goulet, acting dean of the College of Business. “Students from across Michigan and beyond are choosing Ferris State because our programs deliver real-world skills that fit into busy professional and personal lives—and lead to meaningful career advancement.”
Ferris State’s online bachelor’s degree programs were ranked No. 105 nationally, a jump of 159 places, representing the largest improvement among Michigan public universities. Ferris State ranked third among Michigan public institutions in this category.
“Our focus has always been on meeting students where they are and helping them persist, achieve their goals, and complete their degrees,” said Jennifer Hegenauer, associate dean of Extended and International Operations. “Being able to highlight the dedication of our faculty and staff and see that work recognized so significantly in the rankings, is incredibly rewarding.”
Ferris State’s online Master of Information Security and Intelligence program earned a No. 9 national ranking, earning placements of No. 1 in engagement, No. 6 in faculty credentials, No. 11 in services and technology, and No. 4 in student excellence.
U.S. News noted that all Ferris State faculty members are working professionals in their fields, hold relevant certifications, and are doctorally qualified.
The university’s Information Security & Intelligence program is ABET accredited and designated by the National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. These programs are supported by Ferris State’s $32 million Center for Virtual Learning, which includes double-nested Faraday rooms, a secured cybercrime lab, dedicated penetration testing and satellite cybersecurity research labs, segmented networks, synchronous online and in-person classrooms, and a cyber competition arena with live broadcast capabilities.
Additional Ferris State online programs earning national recognition include:
- Master’s in Criminal Justice – No. 75
- Master’s in Nursing – No. 93
- Online Business Programs – No. 125
- Master of Business Administration – No. 172
These achievements come as Ferris State University has also earned the prestigious “Opportunity University” designation from Carnegie Classifications, recognizing institutions that provide access to high-quality programs while delivering strong earnings outcomes. Ferris State graduates consistently earn more in their fields than graduates of peer institutions.