‘U.S. News & World Report’ ranks RIT Executive MBA degree program among nation’s best

The 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings, released this week, listed Saunders College of Business’ online Executive MBA program as No. 13 in the nation for “Best Online MBA Programs.”

Rankings are based on data collected from the nation’s colleges and universities, which are then weighted by certain criteria, including engagement, expert opinion, faculty credentials and training, student excellence, and student services and technologies.

Why students choose RIT’s EMBA program

RIT’s EMBA program features faculty and industry experts who integrate their insights into the curriculum, which emphasizes leadership development, strategic thinking, innovation, data-driven decision-making, and leveraging AI. Students are empowered in personal and collaborative leadership, international business perspectives, and executive consulting on real-world projects. In addition, 33 percent of EMBA students receive promotions before graduating.

Rick Lagiewski, co-director of RIT’s EMBA and Executive Education Programs, explained that every course is designed to be engaging, practical, and immediately applicable in the real world. “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.”

Other categories in which RIT online graduate programs are mentioned include:

• “Best Online Master’s in Information Technology Programs,” for graduate programs offered by the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences;
• “Best Online Master’s Programs in Engineering,” for graduate programs offered by the Kate Gleason College of Engineering;
• “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.”

The full rankings are available on the U.S. News Best Online Programs Rankings website.