Arizona Nursing Shines: All Academic Programs Now Ranked in the Nation’s Top 20!

April 9, 2025
Nursing building and court yard with top 20 programs banner

We’re celebrating a truly historic moment at the University of Arizona College of Nursing! For the first time ever, every one of our academic programs — bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral — has earned a spot among the top 20 nursing programs in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.

This incredible achievement places the College of Nursing firmly among the nation’s elite nursing schools and reflects the passion, dedication, and excellence of our students, faculty, and community partners.

Climbing to New Heights

In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings:

All three programs are proudly ranked No. 1 in Arizona.

These rankings highlight our remarkable growth trajectory over the past few years — a direct result of our strategic focus on student success, innovative programs, and our commitment to advancing healthcare.

Leading Arizona. Shaping the Future of Nursing.

"This achievement is about more than just numbers," said Brian Ahn, PhD, Dean of the College of Nursing. "It reflects our incredible faculty, our rigorous and forward-thinking programs, and our outstanding students who go on to transform health care in their communities. We are creating the next generation of nurse leaders who are ready to meet the complex needs of today’s patients with compassion, expertise, and innovation."

In a state facing a critical nursing shortage, these rankings reinforce our vital role in preparing highly skilled nurses who are ready to lead in diverse health care settings — locally, nationally, and globally.

Why Arizona Nursing Stands Out

Our DNP program, with seven unique clinical specialties, blends flexible online coursework with immersive on-campus intensives and exceptional clinical experiences, allowing students to graduate in as little as 2.5 years full-time.

It’s no surprise that U.S. News & World Report also named Nurse Practitioner the No. 1 Job in its 100 Best Jobs of 2025!

A Bright Future Ahead

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain more committed than ever to advancing nursing education, fostering cutting-edge research, and building a health care workforce that’s prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Congratulations to our entire Wildcat Nursing community — this achievement belongs to all of us!
Bear Down. Nurse On.