K-STATE NEWS AND COMMUNICATIONS
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, self-paced coursework and more.
Surrounded by her husband and four children, Sproul celebrated her in-person undergraduate commencement in 2024 before continuing on to her master’s degree.
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, reflecting the university's performance in providing high-quality education to learners across the state, country and world. With flexible, high-demand degrees and specialized resource offerings, K-State is growing the next generation of leaders by extending the university's land-grant promise to online learners.
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.
"We believe that high-quality education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live or how they learn," said Jesse Perez Mendez, provost and executive vice president. "Our online programs are designed to empower all students with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to thrive and succeed in today's competitive workforce."
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With more than 150 programs available through K-State Online, students can access high-value degree pathways tailored to fit their career goals and learning preferences. Taught by the same expert faculty as on-campus courses, K-State Online delivers the same trusted, high-quality education as on-campus degree programs.
While enrolled, students also have access to specialized academic tutoring programs, 24/7 counseling services, career development support, and advising and success coaching, designed to support both academic and personal success. Through these offerings, K-State fulfills its land-grant mission of expanding educational opportunity and access, empowering tomorrow's leaders to take the next steps in their careers.
Strong paths for military learners
Several rankings highlight the university's support for military-affiliated learners. Reflecting K-State's military-friendly designation, these recognitions reinforce the university's mission to deliver high-quality education to veterans and service members wherever they are.
“Whether learning online or on campus, our military learners are earning degrees through programs that are rigorous, respected and nationally recognized, with support tailored to their unique needs.” - Col. Travis Habhab
Military-affiliated students who choose to study online have access to tailored support, including a full-time military student services coordinator who helps navigate applications and tuition assistance. The university also offers programs developed through a partnership with Fort Leavenworth, along with in-person support services for online learners stationed at Fort Riley.
"K-State has a strong, long-standing commitment to supporting military-affiliated students, and these rankings highlight something equally important — the academic quality of the education they receive," said Col. Travis Habhab, executive director of Military and Veterans Affairs. "Whether learning online or on campus, our military learners are earning degrees through programs that are rigorous, respected and nationally recognized, with support tailored to their unique needs."
Different paths, one K-State
By designing programs that accommodate working professionals, career changers and students balancing life's demands, K-State's online programs create nontraditional pathways that connect learners directly to high-quality, industry-related education, demonstrating that earning a degree doesn't always follow the traditional path.
Daniel Akina, a spring 2026 Master of Business Administration candidate and regional vice president of sales at Heartflow, Inc., says the program's structure has made pursuing his degree sustainable, letting him stay engaged at work and at home while developing his leadership and strategic perspective.
"For years, my biggest concern was balancing work, family and school, which is why I had never pursued an MBA,” Akina said. “In hindsight, I should have enrolled at K-State years ago. My program has strengthened my strategic perspective, sharpened my financial and operational thinking, and provided tools I can apply immediately at work. More importantly, it reinforced my long-term goal of continuing to grow as a leader while creating meaningful impact within my organization."
As today's workforce continues to evolve, K-State's programs continuously adapt alongside it, equipping learners with the skills, knowledge and credentials needed to advance in their fields and stay at the forefront of industry.
By driving a culture of innovation, K-State continues to set the standard for online education designed for career-ready success.
"There is no way I could be where I am today without my degree and the faculty at K-State," Sproul said. "As someone from a small rural community, K-State has made it possible for me to pursue a dream that I only thought was possible if I lived in an urban or suburban community. Now, I'm able to help rural students across Kansas know that they can achieve their goals without having to leave the communities that they call home."