CUNY SPS Is Named #6 in the Nation for Best Online Bachelor’s by U.S. News

Highest-Ever Ranking Affirms CUNY SPS’ Commitment to Quality Online Education for Busy Working Adults; School Also Recognized for its Undergraduate Veterans, Psychology, and Graduate Nursing Offerings

In an all-time-high rating, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) has been ranked #6 in the nation on U.S. News & World Report’s list of 2025 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

Adding to the School’s accolades, CUNY SPS also received its highest-ever ranking for its veterans’ offerings. This year, the School was named #2 in the nation on the publisher’s list of 2025 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans.

Two academic programs at CUNY SPS also earned high grades by U.S. News & World Report.

For the fourth year in a row, the School’s BA in Psychology program was named among the top ten on the publisher’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs, coming in at #9 in the nation in 2025.

In a welcome new ranking, the CUNY SPS MS in Nursing program was also named #25 in the nation on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs.

“We are proud to see the CUNY School of Professional Studies continue to be recognized as a national leader in online higher education,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “CUNY SPS has been incredibly successful in meeting students wherever they may be in their lives, serving as a leading example of how our University works to serve New Yorkers from all backgrounds.” 

“We are honored to be recognized among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for our online bachelor’s programs, veterans’ offerings, and our Psychology and Nursing programs. These wonderful rankings reflect our unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching, and providing a flexible, high-quality education to students everywhere,” said Dr. Lisa R. Braverman, dean of the CUNY School of Professional Studies. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students who continually raise the bar for what online learning can achieve. Together, we’re shaping the future of higher education.”

To compile these rankings, U.S. News & World Report uses a methodology that assesses four weighted categories, including engagement, services and technologies, faculty credentials and training, and peer assessment.

For many students and alumni, these rankings confirm what they already know—that CUNY SPS offers busy working adults a wide range of affordable online programs that feature rigorous academics, knowledgeable and supportive instructors, and innovative digital pedagogical tools, as well as the flexibility to earn a degree on their own time and schedule.

Miguel Colon, a CUNY SPS BA in Liberal Studies graduate, is one of many students over the years that the School has helped on their path to success. In a recent interview, Colon reflected on the benefits of his CUNY SPS education.

“CUNY SPS had a significant impact on my current job and overall career. As someone who works at a law school library, the critical thinking and research skills I gained from my liberal arts education have been invaluable,” Colon noted.

“[And] one of the most defining aspects of my time here was the flexibility of completing my bachelor's degree 100% online through asynchronous courses," he continued. "Working at my own pace and on my schedule allowed me to balance my studies with my other responsibilities…Overall, [it] provided a convenient and enriching learning experience that helped me achieve my academic goals.”

About the CUNY School of Professional Studies

As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.

Press Contact
Prerna Dar
CUNY SPS Chief Marketing Officer
Prerna.dar@cuny.edu