Financial Times has ranked the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s online Master of Business Administration program the No. 1 best value online MBA program in the world.

The international daily newspaper also ranked the College of Business Administration at No. 4 for career services programming and No. 15 overall.

“This ranking recognizes one of the most important factors considered by prospective students: value for your money,” said Kathy Farrell, interim dean of the College of Business Administration. “Nebraska’s online MBA program consistently ranks among the best worldwide because our students receive the same high-quality program whether they take courses on campus, online or both.”

Factors that propelled CBA to a top 15 ranking include career progress, online delivery, program diversity, idea generation, program value and average degree completion time.

Financial Times reported that the average completion time for students in Nebraska’s online MBA program is three years.

“For more than 50 years, our MBA program has been a pioneer and innovator in distance and online education,” said Tammy Beck, associate dean for graduate programs and external engagement. “Earning an MBA at Nebraska has proven to be a tremendous value and a stepping stone to greater achievement.”

The ranking recognized Nebraska for the career progress of the program’s alumni, with graduates increasing salaries by an average of 37 percent.

The No. 4 ranking for career services was based on the college’s effectiveness in career counseling, personal development, networking events and recruitment.

This is the fourth year Financial Times ranked online MBA programs. To be included, business schools must be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and/or European Quality Improvement System, and offer online programs for at least four years.

Financial Times collects data for the rankings through two surveys, one completed by schools and the other by alumni that graduated in 2013.

U.S. News and World Report also recently ranked Nebraska’s online MBA program at No. 21 in the nation and second in the Big Ten Conference for veterans.

For more information on the Financial Times 2017 Online MBA Ranking, click here.