Eastern Michigan University (EMU) has been recognized in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings for its online graduate programs, with particular distinction for its veterans’ graduate service programs, which placed No. 44 nationally. The university’s graduate education programs were also ranked No. 153 among top distance-education offerings.
“We are proud to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report for graduate programs that prepare students for meaningful careers in education,” said Ryan Gildersleeve, dean of the College of Education. “This recognition reflects our continued commitment to providing innovative academic programs and learning experiences in which all students can succeed.”
The U.S. News & World Report evaluated about 1,780 online degree programs across the country. EMU’s ranking for veterans takes into account services and resources tailored specifically to military-connected students. The university offers several notable online graduate education degrees, including a Master of Arts in K–12 administration, Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction – leadership, and Master of Arts in teaching in special education.
EMU’s College of Education prepares graduates for leadership roles in educational settings and related fields such as counseling, mental health, student affairs, and speech-language pathology.
U.S. News considers academic quality as well as support services for veterans and active-duty service members when determining its rankings.
In addition to the College of Education’s recognition, EMU provides over 40 fully online undergraduate and graduate programs spanning business, education, healthcare, and technology disciplines. Students enrolled in these fully online degree programs pay in-state tuition regardless of their location.
The recent rankings add to previous honors from Newsweek and Online Masters Colleges for EMU’s online degree offerings. Military Times Best for Vets ranked EMU No. 26 nationally and named it Michigan’s most military-friendly university in 2025.
Founded in 1849 as a teacher training institution, Eastern Michigan University has developed into a comprehensive public university offering more than 200 undergraduate majors and minors along with various graduate programs [source]. The university is recognized for its contributions to fields such as education and health sciences [source], maintains a campus with both historic architecture and modern facilities [source], and extends access through online initiatives [source].
Ryan Gildersleeve stated that the recognition highlights EMU’s ongoing efforts to provide innovative academic opportunities supporting student success across diverse backgrounds.
For more information about Eastern Michigan University’s online offerings or general details about the institution, visit the official website at https://www.emich.edu/.
