The University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics climbed nine spots to No. 32 in the Poets&Quants 2026 Online MBA ranking, continuing the program’s recent upward momentum among the nation’s top online graduate business programs. The rise from No. 41 last year reflects sustained progress in academic quality, faculty excellence and student experience.

Poets&Quants evaluates online MBA programs based on admissions standards, academic experience and career outcomes. Lerner’s advancement in the 2026 rankings underscores the program’s continued improvement and growing national recognition in a highly competitive landscape.

“This year’s ranking reflects steady, intentional progress,” said Oliver Yao, dean of the Lerner College. “Our online MBA program continues to evolve, guided by a commitment to academic rigor, innovative teaching and a student-centered approach designed for working professionals.”

The Poets&Quants recognition builds on a series of recent national rankings for Lerner’s online MBA program. In January 2025, the program earned its highest placement to date in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online MBA rankings, further validating the program’s strength in faculty credentials, student engagement and academic quality.

“Our focus has been on building a consistently strong experience,” said Andrea Everard, associate dean of graduate business programs. “Rankings like this reflect the cumulative impact of thoughtful program design, faculty dedication and the hard work of our students.”

A distinguishing factor in Lerner’s online MBA program is its emphasis on teaching excellence in the virtual classroom. Lerner faculty have received national recognition for their effectiveness in online instruction, with Poets&Quants previously highlighting the college among institutions whose faculty earn top marks from students for engagement, accessibility and instructional quality.

Faculty in the online MBA program bring deep academic expertise and industry experience, designing courses that prioritize interaction, applied learning and collaboration. This approach ensures that online students receive the same academic rigor and personal attention expected of Lerner’s residential programs.

“Our faculty approach online teaching with intention,” Everard said. “Courses are designed to encourage meaningful interaction, timely feedback and practical application, creating an engaging learning environment that supports student success.”

Lerner’s online MBA program is designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance or pivot in their careers. The average student is 33 years old and enters the program with eight years of professional experience, creating a cohort-based learning environment enriched by diverse perspectives across industries such as finance, healthcare, technology and consulting.

UD students complete a rigorous core curriculum while customizing their experience through concentrations and electives aligned with their professional goals. The program emphasizes data-driven decision-making, leadership development and ethical business practices, skills increasingly critical in today’s global economy.

Flexibility remains central to the program’s design, allowing students to balance coursework with professional and personal commitments. At the same time, Lerner maintains high academic standards, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles across various industries.

“Our students expect flexibility, but they also expect challenge,” Yao said. “We take that responsibility seriously by delivering a program that is accessible without compromising academic standards.”

Career outcomes remain a central measure of the program’s impact. Lerner online MBA alumni from the Class of 2024 reported an average salary of $104,722 while pursuing their degree, with graduates receiving an average salary increase of $17,000 during the program. These outcomes reflect the program’s focus on immediate, career-relevant value for working professionals.

The Poets&Quants 2026 Online MBA ranking adds to a growing body of national recognition for Lerner College and underscores its continued commitment to delivering high-quality, flexible graduate business education with meaningful impact.