Graceland University’s master’s programs in education and nursing were ranked in the top 10 Best Online Programs in the country by the U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings edition of the Best Online Education Programs.
Graceland’s Online Masters Programs’ rankings are:
The rankings improve on three years of Graceland University top 20 rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The 2015 rankings evaluate information and data from nearly 1,000 online degree programs.
President Sellars praised the nursing and education faculty and staff noting, “We are incredibly pleased by the announcement of the new U.S. News & World Report rankings. Graceland University continues to strive to provide excellent educational opportunities across the board, and these programs are obviously getting it right. We commend the faculty and staff in these areas for their dedication and hard work.”
Programs for distance learners that are 100 percent online were ranked numerically, just like traditional colleges and graduate schools. For the 2014 edition of the Best Online Graduate Programs rankings, U.S. News incorporated program ratings by peer institutions. Other criteria were:
Online programs are becoming more prevalent each year as students need the convenience of an online environment, and online education plays an increasingly important role in higher education, as more and more schools join the list of educational institutions offering online courses, making it difficult to stand out. Graceland is meeting the challenge by consistently providing academic excellence.
“According to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, people with a bachelor’s degree earn 84 percent more than those with only a high school diploma in their lifetimes — making online education, with its flexibility, an increasingly popular option. Online education allows people to attend school without having to quit their jobs or disrupt their lives. This is why online education is becoming an essential part of Graceland’s education,” said Graceland University President John Sellars.
U.S. News & World Report is a multi-platform, digital publisher of news and analysis, which includes the digital-only U.S. News Weekly magazine, www.usnews.com, and www.rankingsandreviews.com. U.S. News & World Report’s signature franchise includes its News You Can Use® brand of journalism and its “Best” series of consumer guides that include rankings of colleges, graduate schools, hospitals, mutual funds, health plans and more.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
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Graceland University has named Dr. LaVerne Manos as the new Dean of the School of Nursing effective July 31.
Administration and Staff, Athletics, Press Release
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A transformative era for Graceland University men’s basketball has reached its natural turning point. After engineering one of the most impactful rebuilds in program history, head coach Todd Lorensen has accepted the head coaching position at Rockhurst University. In response, Athletic Director Brady McKillip has elevated Associate Head Coach Matt Dickman to lead the Yellowjackets forward.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
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Graceland University and the Community of Christ announce the retirement of Campus Minister Mike Hoffman, and the appointment of Doug Roberts as the university’s next Campus Minister, effective June 2026.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
March 13, 2026
Graceland University is saddened to share the passing of Trustee Dr. Julia “Julie” Snethen, a respected nurse scientist, educator, and member of the university’s Board of Trustees whose life and career were dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and families.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
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Graceland University has announced the promotion of longtime team member Steve Edwards to Executive Director of Marketing, recognizing more than three decades of service and leadership that have helped shape the university’s communications and brand.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
September 23, 2025
Graceland University proudly welcomes Tom Hiles and Noel E....
