Best Universities in the World in 2022 Adopt Online Degree Enrollments

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What the 2022 Best Universities in the World Ranking Measures

Choosing a university is no longer just about campus reputation or tuition price. Students, researchers, and employers increasingly want to know which institutions are producing the strongest academic work, where influential scholars are based, and how research strength compares across countries and regions. That is why the 2022 Best Universities in the World ranking matters: it highlights universities through the measurable impact of their researchers, not only through broad prestige signals.

This guide explains how the ranking was built, what the 2022 results show by country and region, and how to use the findings when comparing universities. It also covers the practical questions readers usually ask next, including what the ranking means for online learning, accreditation, degree value, and career planning.

Quick Answer

Research.com’s 2022 Best Universities in the World ranking is based on the research impact of affiliated scientists and scholars, using objective indicators such as H-index data from Microsoft Academic Graph. In the 2022 edition, more than 166,880 scientist profiles were reviewed to identify the top 1,000 universities worldwide. The United States led the list with 234 institutions, Europe had the largest regional share with 394 institutions, and Harvard University ranked first overall.

If you want the broader list, see the BEST UNIVERSITIES IN THE WORLD RANKING.

How the Ranking Works and Why It Is Different

Many university rankings rely heavily on reputation surveys, general institutional size, or broad output measures. This ranking focuses on the research footprint of individual scholars affiliated with each university. That approach helps surface institutions with exceptional academic influence, even when their overall brand visibility may differ from other global rankings.

For the 2022 edition, Research.com examined more than 166,880 scientist profiles from Microsoft Academic Graph and Google Scholar. Universities were then ranked using the total H-index values of their leading scientists from Microsoft Academic Graph. The H-index threshold varied by discipline, but in many fields it was set at 30 or 40. Researchers were considered using a combination of H-index, contribution rate to their field, accomplishments, and awards.

Key Findings From the 2022 Ranking

1. The United States had the largest number of ranked universities, with 234 institutions, or 23.4% of the list.
2. California was the strongest U.S. state in the ranking by both research volume and researcher impact.
3. China, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany also placed a large number of institutions on the list.
4. Harvard University had 2,113 leading scientists listed, the highest count in the ranking.
5. Oxford University was the only non-U.S. institution in the top 10.
6. Among Asian universities, the University of Tokyo ranked highest at 27th.
7. Europe had the largest regional representation, with 394 universities, or 39.4% of the ranking.

World’s Best Universities by Country and Region

The United States led the 2022 ranking with 234 universities, followed by China with 97, the United Kingdom with 75, Japan with 68, Germany with 62, and Italy with 53. These results show that global research leadership is concentrated in a small number of countries, especially those with large higher education systems and deep research investment.

The top 10 also reflects that concentration. Nine of the top 10 universities are in the United States, with Oxford University as the lone exception.

In North America, the United States accounted for 234 ranked universities, while Canada had 36.

In Europe, the United Kingdom led with 75 institutions, equal to 19% of all ranked universities in the region. Germany followed with 62 institutions, or 15%, and Italy had 53, or 13%.

In Asia, China accounted for 97 institutions, or 45% of the region’s ranked universities. Japan was next with a 31% share.

In the Middle East, Iran led with nine universities, or 33%, followed by Israel with seven, or 26%.

In South America, Brazil had 15 ranked universities, or 68%, while Argentina and Chile each had three.

In Oceania, Australia led with 35 listed schools, or 83%, and New Zealand had seven.

In Africa, South Africa was the only country represented, with seven universities.

By region, Europe had the most ranked institutions at 394, followed by North America with 272 and Asia with 214. South America and Africa had the fewest, with 22 and seven institutions, respectively.

Why Research-Focused Rankings Matter for Students and Decision-Makers

Research strength matters when you are choosing a university for graduate study, planning a research career, or comparing institutions for a field that depends on academic output. A school with a strong research record can offer more active faculty, better access to funded projects, and stronger visibility in scholarly networks. That can be especially important for students considering master’s, doctoral, or postdoctoral pathways.

At the same time, research strength is only one part of university quality. Students also need to consider teaching quality, student support, cost, accreditation, format flexibility, and career outcomes. A university that ranks highly for research may still not be the best fit for every learner.

How Online Degrees Fit Into Today’s University Landscape

Online learning is now a major part of higher education, not an emergency backup plan. Many universities have expanded online programs to reach working adults, parents, career changers, and students who need more flexible schedules. For many learners, online study is less about convenience alone and more about access, cost management, and the ability to keep working while earning a credential.

This shift is visible in enrollment patterns. In the Fall of 2020, 44% or 7 million of all undergraduate students enrolled in online degrees, which was 186% higher than 2019 figures, according to NCES. Even though higher education enrollment fell in Fall 2021 overall, online options continued to draw strong interest in many institutions.

Student preferences also explain the growth. In 2022, 82% of U.S. postsecondary students cited a specific field of study as the main reason for choosing online college, 74% pointed to lower tuition and fees, and 68% said completion time was a major advantage.

Online Learning: When It Helps and When It Doesn’t

Online degrees can be a smart choice when flexibility is essential, but they are not automatically better than campus programs. They work best for self-directed learners, people with work or caregiving obligations, and students who already know the field they want to enter. They may be less effective for learners who need structured in-person support, laboratory access, or professions with hands-on training requirements.

Can Online Programs Help Address the Gender Gap in Competitive Careers?

Online degrees can help more women access higher-paying and more competitive fields by reducing barriers that often make traditional attendance harder, such as commuting, rigid schedules, and geographic limits. That flexibility can matter for women balancing work, caregiving, or a career transition.

When online programs are well designed, they can also expand access to mentorship, career coaching, and employer connections. Those supports may improve entry into industries where women remain underrepresented. For readers exploring career pathways, our guide on high paying jobs for women can help identify fields where credentials and specialization may improve opportunity.

Best Universities by U.S. State

California is the strongest state in the ranking when measured by both the total H-index of top researchers and the number of leading scientists. It has 19 of the world’s best universities, and four of them are in the global top 10. Universities in California employ 6,871 top scientists with a combined H-index of 443,794.

Texas has the largest number of ranked universities among U.S. states, with 21 institutions and 2,228 leading scientists. California follows with 19 institutions, and New York is third with 17 universities.

What the Ranking Suggests About Fast Online Degrees

Fast online degrees appeal to students who want a quicker route into the job market or need a credential to advance in their current role. The main value of these programs is not just speed; it is whether the degree delivers relevant skills, acceptable academic quality, and a realistic return for the time and money invested.

If you are comparing accelerated options, look beyond the completion timeline. Review the curriculum, transfer credit rules, faculty support, internship access, and whether graduates actually move into the roles they want. For examples of shorter programs, see our resource on the quickest degree to get online.

What Accreditation Means for Online Degree Quality

Accreditation is one of the most important checks a student can make before enrolling. It helps confirm that a school meets recognized academic standards and that its online delivery has been reviewed for quality and consistency. Without proper accreditation, a degree may not be accepted by employers, licensing boards, or graduate schools.

Students should verify both institutional accreditation and, when relevant, programmatic accreditation. This is especially important in healthcare, education, engineering, business, and law, where licensing or professional recognition may depend on a specific type of approved program.

For learners interested in shorter credentials, 6 month programs that pay well may be worth exploring, but only after confirming the program is respected in the target industry and leads to the right type of certification.

How Universities Have Adapted to Online Enrollment Growth

The rise of online learning has pushed universities to redesign course delivery, student support, and technology infrastructure. The shift is visible in both enrollment trends and institutional planning. In Fall 2020, online enrollment surged, and many universities expanded digital offerings to keep pace with student demand.

Higher education institutions have also experimented with new teaching models. St. Mary’s University School of Law became the first fully online J.D. program to be accredited by the American Bar Association. In Europe, business schools formed the European Common Online Learning (Ecol) group, which includes eight schools from Italy, France, and Switzerland, among others. Portland State University introduced the “Attend Anywhere" model to rethink what a hybrid university could look like.

There were still concerns about online education, especially from faculty early on. In one 2022 AASCU-related study, 49% of teaching faculty expressed resistance, and 28% raised concerns about intellectual property. Students also questioned whether reduced classroom time could affect learning quality.

However, research suggests that well-designed blended learning can perform comparably to traditional classroom instruction. A systematic review by Muller and Mildenberger (2021) found that even when classroom time was reduced by between 30% and 79%, blended learning was not associated with poorer learning outcomes.

Why Accelerated Online Programs Continue to Grow

Accelerated online programs are designed for learners who want a shorter pathway without sacrificing essential content. These programs can be especially useful for adult learners, career changers, and professionals who want a quicker credential for promotion or licensure-related preparation.

That said, faster is not always better. A short program only makes sense if the coursework is aligned with your goals and the credential carries value in the field. If you are looking for a faster route, you can get a degree in 6 months, but you should still check whether the program is accredited, transferable, and recognized by employers.

Today, 94% of American Association of State Colleges and Universities member institutions offer 20 fully online programs on average. The share of AASCU institutions offering fully online programs rose from 48% in 2013 to 76% in 2022, and 82% offered fully online graduate degrees. In 2022, 72% also planned to increase investment in online learning infrastructure.

One reason online study remains attractive is that it gives students more control over pace and schedule. Zhao and Watterston argued that students differ in abilities and interests, and that one-size-fits-all classroom models may not serve them well. Online learning can support more personalized pathways when it is designed with that flexibility in mind.

The larger lesson is that higher education has moved from emergency remote teaching toward permanent digital delivery. The best universities are no longer just uploading lectures; they are building systems for advising, assessment, interaction, and support that work in virtual settings.

Can an Online Dual Degree Improve Career Options?

Online dual degree programs can be a strong choice for students who want to combine two fields without extending their studies unnecessarily. These programs often let learners develop broader expertise, which can help in roles that value cross-disciplinary thinking, such as management, policy, analytics, or healthcare administration.

They are most useful when both credentials serve a clear purpose. If one degree supports your long-term goals and the second adds a complementary skill set, the combination can increase flexibility and marketability. For more detail, see our guide to online dual degree programs.

Is an Online Ph.D. Without a Dissertation Possible?

Some doctoral programs now replace the traditional dissertation with applied research projects, case studies, or professional portfolios. These options are often aimed at working professionals who want advanced study that is more directly tied to practice.

Before enrolling, students should confirm how the program is structured, whether the degree meets their career goals, and whether employers or licensing bodies in their field accept that format. For a closer look, review online doctoral programs without dissertation.

Regional Leaders and H-Index Distribution

1. Harvard University ranked first in the world with a total H-index of 170,977 and 2,113 ranking scientists.
2. Oxford University led Europe and placed 5th globally.
3. The University of Tokyo led Asia and ranked 27th worldwide.
4. The University of Sydney led Oceania and ranked 42nd worldwide.
5. Universidade de São Paulo led South America and ranked 158th worldwide.
6. The University of Cape Town led Africa and ranked 336th worldwide.

The average H-index for the top 10 universities was 68,012, compared with 5,836 across all 1,000 universities in the ranking.

The average number of papers published by scientists from the top 10 universities was 207,499, compared with 19,874 across all 1,000 universities.

The average total number of citations for the top 10 universities was 27,801,046, compared with 1,812,603 across all 1,000 universities.

More details on the ranking methodology are available here.

How to Use This Ranking When Choosing a University

This ranking is most useful when you want to compare universities by research intensity. It is especially relevant for students planning graduate school, researchers looking for collaborators, and decision-makers evaluating where academic expertise is concentrated.

Use it as one part of your decision process, not the only factor. A strong research ranking does not automatically mean the best student experience, the lowest cost, or the best fit for your specific program.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Comparing Universities

• Choosing a school based only on ranking position without checking whether the program matches your goals.
• Assuming every online program has the same accreditation or licensure value.
• Ignoring transfer credit rules, especially for accelerated or dual-degree pathways.
• Focusing only on tuition while overlooking fees, pacing, and total time to completion.
• Assuming research prestige automatically equals strong undergraduate teaching or student support.
• Using salary claims as if they were guarantees rather than outcomes that depend on field, location, and experience.

Questions to Ask Before You Enroll

• Is the university institutionally accredited?
• Does the program have the right specialized accreditation, if my field requires it?
• Will the degree meet licensing, employer, or graduate school expectations?
• How long will it take to complete the program if I study part time?
• What is the total cost after fees, books, and technology expenses?
• Can I transfer credits from prior study or professional experience?
• What student support is available online?
• Are graduates employed in roles that match the degree’s purpose?

About Research.com

All research was coordinated by Imed Bouchrika, PhD, a computer scientist with extensive experience collaborating on international research projects across academic communities. His role was to help ensure the data remained unbiased, accurate, and current.

Research.com is a research portal focused on science rankings. Its mission is to help professors, research fellows, and graduate students stay informed about conferences, publications, and academic developments, while also publishing annual rankings of leading scientists across disciplines.

References:

1. Capranos, D., Magda, A. J. (2022). Online learning at public universities 2022: Views of AASCU member institutions as COVID-19 transforms higher education. Maitland, FL: Wiley Inc. https://universityservices.wiley.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2022-OnlineLearningatPublicUniversities2022-Final.pdf
2. Muller, C. and Mildenberger, T. (2021). Facilitating flexible learning by replacing classroom time with an online learning environment: A systematic review of blended learning in higher education. Educational Research Review. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2021.100394
3. National Center for Education Statistics (2022). Fast Facts: Distance Learning. https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=80
4. Pelletier, K., McCormack, M., Reeves, J., Robert, J. and Arbino, M. with Al-Freih, M., Dickson-Deane, C., Guevara, C., Koster, L., Sanchez-Mendiola, M., Bessette, L.S. andStine, J. (2022). 2022 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report, Teaching and Learning Edition, https://library.educause.edu/-/media/files/library/2022/4/2022hrteachinglearning.pdf
5. Statista (2022). Reasons for online college selection among students in the U.S. 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/956111/reasons-online-college-selection-students/
6. Zhao, Y., Watterston, J. (2021). The changes we need: Education post-COVID-19. J Educ Change 22, 312 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10833-021-09417-3

Key Insights

• The 2022 ranking measures university strength through the research impact of individual scholars, which makes it especially useful for comparing academic influence.
• The United States led the list with 234 institutions, while Europe had the largest regional concentration with 394.
• Harvard University ranked first overall, and Oxford University was the only non-U.S. university in the top 10.
• Online degrees are now a mainstream part of higher education, but their value depends on accreditation, program fit, and career alignment.
• Accelerated and dual-degree options can save time, but only if they match your goals and meet professional requirements.
• The smartest way to use this ranking is to combine it with accreditation checks, cost review, program format, and career outcomes before making a final decision.