U.S. News & World Report ranks the RIT Executive MBA degree program among the nation’s top online business programs

Rochester, New York – Rochester Institute of Technology’s Saunders College of Business is gaining national attention after earning a top-tier ranking for its online Executive MBA program. In the newly released 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings, RIT’s Executive MBA was named No. 13 in the nation among “Best Online MBA Programs,” placing it firmly among the country’s most respected offerings for working professionals.

The annual rankings evaluate online programs across the United States using detailed data submitted by colleges and universities. Programs are assessed using multiple weighted criteria, including student engagement, expert opinion, faculty credentials and training, student excellence, and the quality of student services and technologies. The results offer prospective students a snapshot of which programs are delivering strong academic value in an increasingly competitive online education landscape.

For RIT, the recognition highlights years of focused investment in executive education. The Executive MBA program is designed for experienced professionals seeking to sharpen leadership skills while continuing to work full time. Rather than relying solely on theory, the curriculum blends academic rigor with real-world application, ensuring that students can immediately apply what they learn to their organizations.

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A key factor attracting students to RIT’s EMBA is the faculty model. Courses are taught by a mix of seasoned professors and industry experts who bring current, practical insight into the virtual classroom. The program places strong emphasis on leadership development, strategic thinking, innovation, data-driven decision-making, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in business. Students also gain exposure to international business perspectives and participate in executive consulting projects that mirror real organizational challenges.

Outcomes appear to reflect that approach. According to program data, 33 percent of EMBA students receive promotions before they even complete the degree, a statistic that underscores the program’s immediate career impact.

Rick Lagiewski, co-director of RIT’s EMBA and Executive Education Programs, said the program’s structure is intentional, with a clear focus on relevance and collaboration. “Our students collaborate on meaningful projects that reflect the challenges they face as working professionals. Most importantly, we cultivate a powerful community of ambitious leaders who support one another as they prepare to step into their next executive role.”

That sense of community is often cited by students as a defining feature of the program. Even in an online format, participants work closely in teams, share professional experiences, and build networks that extend beyond graduation. The collaborative design helps replicate the intensity and connection of an in-person executive program while maintaining the flexibility needed by busy professionals.

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The EMBA ranking is part of a broader showing for RIT in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report listings. Several other online graduate and undergraduate programs across the university were also recognized. These include “Best Online Master’s in Information Technology Programs” for offerings from the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, “Best Online Master’s Programs in Engineering” for programs from the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, and placements in the “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” category.

Together, the rankings point to RIT’s growing reputation as a leader in online education, particularly in fields that blend technical expertise with applied learning. As demand continues to rise for flexible, high-quality graduate programs, national recognition from U.S. News & World Report serves as an important signal to prospective students weighing their options.

The complete 2026 rankings and detailed methodology are available through the U.S. News Best Online Programs Rankings website, offering further insight into how institutions across the country compare in delivering online education at scale.