U of A's graduate nursing programs rank in top tier nationally, still No. 1 in Arizona
The University of Arizona College of Nursing continues to receive national recognition for excellence in graduate education, with its programs ranked among the top in the nation in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Nursing Schools rankings.
The college’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is ranked No. 24 among public institutions and No. 37 overall, while its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is ranked No. 21 among public institutions and No. 34 overall. Both programs are the highest-ranked in Arizona, highlighting the college’s success in preparing advanced practice nurses and nurse leaders who enhance patient outcomes, expand access to care, and meet critical workforce needs.
“These rankings reflect the dedication of our faculty and staff to advancing nursing education and improving health outcomes,” said Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing. “We are proud to lead Arizona while continuing to make a meaningful impact nationwide through innovation, research, and community engagement.”
To meet the changing needs of patients and healthcare systems, the college offers eight specialized DNP programs and its well-regarded Master of Science, Entry to the Profession of Nursing (MEPN) program, which trains future registered nurses through an intensive, hands-on curriculum. The MEPN program’s three-year NCLEX pass rate is 91%, surpassing the national pass rate of 87%.
Nationally, the college’s reputation ranks it among the top tier of nursing programs. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 439 schools in the United States offer DNP programs, placing the college in the top 8% nationwide. With more than 650 schools offering MSN degrees, the college is among the top 5% of programs in the country. These distinctions position the college within a select group of institutions shaping the future of nursing education and graduating students prepared to meet the demands of increasingly complex health care environments.
“Our DNP specialties are designed to immerse students in real-world clinical and leadership experiences from day one,” said Lindsay Bouchard, DNP, PMHNP-BC, DNP program director and interim chair. “Through strong partnerships with health care systems across the country, our students are not only learning best practices, but they are also actively helping to implement solutions that improve care delivery.”
“MEPN is an accelerated program available in both Tucson and Gilbert, designed to prepare students for the realities of modern nursing," said Lauren Acosta, PhD, RN, SANE-A, CPH, chair of the Nursing and Health Education Division. “Our graduates leave with the confidence, clinical judgment, and leadership skills needed to succeed in high-demand settings and make an immediate impact on patients and care teams.”
By focusing on tackling workforce shortages and increasing access to care, the College of Nursing is helping to build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for communities across Arizona and beyond.