UMass Amherst Isenberg School of Management Online MBA Ranked First in the U.S.

AMHERST, MA – The Online MBA offered by the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has been ranked first in the United States by the Financial Times and third in the world.

This year’s ranking represents an increase from fifth in the U.S. and the ninth spot in the world in 2016. The complete global rankings can be found at: rankings.ft.com.

With one of the largest and oldest accredited online MBA programs in the country, the Isenberg School of Management has offered an online format for nearly 15 years. More than 1,300 students are currently enrolled in the program, which was founded in 2001. 

Isenberg is recognized as a leading program by students, colleagues and competitors across the online educational landscape. UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy says, “The Isenberg School of Management is changing online education and the results are clear and measurable. The international standing of Isenberg’s online program is emblematic of UMass Amherst’s commitment to excellence in all that we do.”

The Isenberg School of Management stood out in the Financial Times’ 2017 rankings in a number of areas. The Online MBA program ranked second for increase in salary after earning an MBA, with a 43 percent increase, and ranked third for percentage of female staff, with 40 percent. Furthermore, the program ranked third in online interaction, which measures the extent to which alumni rate the interaction between students, teamwork, and the availability of faculty.

“I am especially pleased by the survey’s high approval ratings by our recent graduates — our alumni — who valued their online experience as students,” says Mark Fuller, dean of the Isenberg School. “Feedback from them and our current students is critical to our improvement and success.”

Isenberg’s Online MBA program offers an expansive course of study, from business analytics, finance and health care administration to marketing and sports management. Isenberg students from all 50 states and around the globe include physicians, attorneys, entrepreneurs, C-suite executives and scientists.

About the Isenberg School of Management
Founded in 1947, the Isenberg School of Management on the University of Massachusetts’ flagship Amherst campus has 42,000 alumni in 86 countries. Isenberg offers its AACSB-accredited courses to 4,800 students on campus, online and in blended formats. The school’s 3,400 undergraduates major in seven business disciplines, including industry specialties such as hospitality & tourism management and sport management. Nearly 1,300 students are enrolled in the Isenberg MBA, and they can focus their studies in health care administration, entrepreneurship, finance and marketing.

For more information, visit www.Isenberg.umass.edu.

Featured

  • Moline-Coal Valley School District to Consolidate Two Schools into New Facility

    The Moline-Coal Valley School District in Moline, Ill., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff from two existing schools, according to local news. Robert Ontiveros Elementary School will serve as the new home for Lincoln-Irving Elementary School and Willard Elementary School.

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt Starts Construction on Healthcare Education Hub

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in Arcata, Calif., recently announced that work has begun on a renovation project that will turn the Stewart Building into a new Healthcare Education Hub, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Sundt Construction Inc. for construction services.