Northwestern online programs receive high rankings

Northwestern College tied for 24th in the online bachelor’s degree program category in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings, released on Jan. 27. This is the highest score among institutions in Iowa and members of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU). Northwestern offers online bachelor’s degree-completion programs in early childhood education.

Northwestern’s Master of Education program tied for 76th out of more than 300 schools in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Online Master’s in Education Programs ranking. The rating earns Northwestern the distinction of being the top-ranked CCCU institution, as well as placing third in the state of Iowa.

“We are grateful for this national recognition, which reflects our commitment to providing academically rigorous, faith-integrated online programs that truly serve our students,” says Dr. Jill Swisher, dean of Northwestern’s Graduate & Professional Studies division. “These rankings highlight the shared dedication of our faculty, staff and students, who work together to deliver an online learning experience that is accessible, meaningful and grounded in purpose.”

Northwestern offers the M.Ed. degree in several tracks: early childhood + endorsement, educational administration + K-12 principal endorsement, master teacher, special education + endorsement, teacher leadership, and teaching history. In addition, Northwestern offers a new Master of Arts in Teaching degree in early childhood that leads to initial licensure. Continuing education and certificates are also available.

The U.S. News rankings are based upon student engagement, faculty credentials and training, student services and technologies, and peer assessment.