UNCW Business, Education Advance in 2026 Rankings

For nearly a decade, UNCW has ranked among the nation’s best in the U.S. News & World Report’s rankings. The 2026 Best Graduate Schools list is no exception. 

Cameron School of Business is newly ranked in 11 categories, including #70 in Best Production-Operations MBA Programs (tied), #71 in Best Real Estate MBA Programs (tied), #93 in Best Supply Chain Management MBA Programs (tied), #96 in Best International MBA Programs (tied), #121 in Best Information Systems MBA Programs (tied), #125 in Best Entrepreneurship MBA Programs (tied), #139 in Best Management MBA Programs (tied), #139 in Best MBA Marketing Programs (tied), #189 in Best Finance MBA Programs (tied), #193 in Best Business Analytics MBA Programs (tied), and #208 in Best Accounting Programs (tied). 

“Earning recognition across so many program areas reflects the continued growth and momentum of the Cameron School of Business,” said David Mautz, interim dean of the Cameron School of Business. “Our faculty are committed to delivering high-impact programs that prepare students to succeed in an increasingly complex and connected business world.” 

Watson College of Education jumped 12 points in the Best Education Schools category, now ranking #197. Holding strong, UNCW maintains #68 (tied) in Best Health Care Management Programs. The university is also newly ranked #138 in the Best Earth Sciences Programs. Finally, UNCW is ranked #129 in Best Public Affairs Programs (tied). 

“These rankings reflect the depth and diversity of UNCW’s graduate programs,” said Chancellor Aswani Volety. “From business and education to sciences and the humanities, our faculty are preparing students to succeed while advancing work that benefits our region and beyond.” 

U.S. News & World Report bases the rankings on expert opinion about program excellence and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school's faculty, research and students and their post-graduate outcomes. Some categories, including Healthcare Management, Earth Sciences and Public Affairs, are ranked by peer assessment only. More than 2,000 graduate programs across the country are evaluated for the rankings.