U.S. News Ranks UC Davis Online MBA among Top 7% in Nation

The UC Davis Online MBA, the first and only online MBA in the University of California system, is ranked among the top 7% of programs nationwide in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings.

The media outlet released updated online MBA program rankings on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

The UC Davis Online MBA placed No. 26 overall and No. 2 among programs at universities in California.

The annual U.S. News & World Report rankings consider factors such as academic reputation, faculty credentials, student engagement, access to technology and affordability. Together, these measures help prospective students identify online programs that maintain high academic standards while meeting the unique demands of remote learning.

In addition, the UC Davis MBA ranked No. 21 among the best online MBA programs for military veterans based on its overall score and consideration of financial benefits available to students with military experience. 

For UC Davis Online MBA student Daniela Fuentes Ramirez, the program has allowed her to continue working as a marketing and communications manager in Los Angeles while earning her degree.

"I chose the UC Davis Online MBA for its flexibility, community and STEM-designated rigor. Its collaborative, analytical program strengthens my marketing expertise, sharpens my leadership skills and empowers me to grow strategically and creatively."

— Daniela Fuentes Ramirez MBA 26

But above all, she says, what’s made her experience exceptional is the people.

"The faculty and staff care deeply, not just about what we learn, but about who we become. My classmates are extremely talented, smart and committed. We show up for each other. That kind of community doesn’t just happen—it’s cultivated."

Methodology

For the overall rankings, U.S. News considered the five weighted criteria below to evaluate 377 online MBA programs. A program's score for each ranking indicator is calculated using data that the program reported to U.S. News in a statistical survey and from data collected in a separate peer assessment survey:

• Engagement - 30%
• Expert Opinion - 25%
• Faculty Credentials and Training - 15%
• Services and Technologies - 15%
• Student Excellence - 15%

Online MBA Success

In September 2025, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranked the UC Davis Online MBA at No. 9 in North America and No. 16 globally.

The Graduate School of Management's close-knit community inspires others to achieve, helps others to succeed, builds trust and challenges students to develop as collaborative leaders. The STEM-designated Online MBA program is designed for motivated professionals who need a flexible schedule, balancing work and school while earning their degree. 

In addition to the Online MBA, the School offers these business and management degree programs:

• Full-Time MBA
• Part-Time MBA (Sacramento and Bay Area)
• Master of Professional Accountancy
• Master of Science in Business Analytics (San Francisco)
• Master of Management (Online)
• Master of Management (On campus)
• Part-Time Master of Management (Sacramento and San Francisco Bay Area)
• Undergraduate Business Major

More Information

• U.S. News 2026 Online MBA rankings
• UC Davis Online MBA profile
• U.S. News methodology

UC Davis and Rankings

A world-class university, UC Davis is highly ranked for how it transforms students’ lives, the impact of its research, the excellence of its academic programs, its sustainability and more. The university performs self-evaluations and also appreciates the value of third-party assessments. However, ranking methods vary, change over time and can be subjective. UC Davis focuses on those rankings that most closely align with its mission and values—including serving the public good, inclusiveness and equity, and social mobility—and in national rankings looks most closely at its standing among public universities. UC Davis encourages prospective students to weigh rankings among other factors in their college decision, including consulting with UC Davis admissions advisors, current students, and, if possible, visit the campus.

Media contact:

Tim Akin, UC Davis Graduate School of Management, (916) 402-9270