UMSON Continues to Be Recognized as a Leader in Baccalaureate Nursing Education, According to U.S. News & World Report

Baltimore, Md. - The University of Maryland School of Nursing’s (UMSON) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program continues to thrive, according to the newly released U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 “Best Colleges” Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs, which ranked UMSON No. 13 in the nation (tied with 8 other institutions) out of 686 accredited nursing schools ranked. Among public schools of nursing, UMSON is ranked 10 in the nation (tied with 4 other public nursing schools).

“It is extremely gratifying to be recognized as one of the top baccalaureate nursing programs in the nation,” said Yolanda Ogbolu, PhD ’11, MS ’05, BSN ’04, NNP, FNAP, FAAN, the Bill and Joanne Conway Dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing. “It is a true testament to our program leadership, our faculty and staff, and all who support our efforts. We are proud of our graduates who are well equipped to serve as highly skilled nurses meeting the needs of individuals, their families, and our diverse communities, not only in Maryland, but nationally and internationally.”

UMSON’s BSN program encompasses an entry-into-nursing program and an RN-to-BSN program for already licensed practicing nurses. The program prepares students to excel in nursing careers across a broad spectrum of acute, chronic, and community-based settings.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s 2023 New Graduate Employment Data (the latest year available) indicates that 70% of employers express a strong preference for BSN program graduates, while one-quarter of hospitals and other health care settings require a BSN for employment. 

“We are thrilled that the University of Maryland School of Nursing’s BSN program continues to earn national recognition,” said Kathleen “Katie” McElroy, PhD ’16, MS ’10, BSN ’98, RN, CNE, associate professor and associate dean for the baccalaureate program.

“This achievement highlights the critical impact of the program and its essential role in addressing the nursing shortage,” McElroy continued. “Students are at the center of everything we do. While we take immense pride in supporting their growth during their time with us, we are even more excited to see them graduate as competent, compassionate professionals ready to transform health care through excellence in practice, leadership, and scholarship. We are deeply grateful to all the faculty, staff, and clinical partners who contribute to the academic and clinical preparation of these future nurses.”

In addition to serving practicing nurses seeking a BSN degree, UMSON’s RN-to-BSN program boasts dual-admission partnerships with all 15 community colleges in Maryland that offer an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, enabling a smooth transition for ADN students into UMSON’s BSN program.

The entry-into-nursing BSN program, to which UMSON admitted 226 students this fall, is offered at the University of Maryland, Baltimore and at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland. 

In this program, through innovative partnerships developed by UMSON’s dedicated faculty, students gain immersive experiences in diverse settings, ranging from acute care and intensive care to hospice care, home care, and school health, ensuring they are ready to meet the evolving needs of today’s health care landscape, McElroy said.

UMSON is one of only a few schools nationwide with a required BSN course that embeds palliative and end-of-life care into the core of their skillset. Since its launch in 2023, nearly 1,000 BSN students have completed the course and earned an End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) certificate for their portfolios. In recognition of its impact, UMSON received the 2024 ELNEC Award of Excellence.

U.S. News & World Report rankings are determined by scores received from surveys of top academics and officials at nursing schools or departments at institutions nationwide that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. In addition, the institutions must be regionally accredited and have recently awarded at least 50 BSN degrees.

###

The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools in the nation and is ranked among the top nursing schools nationwide. Enrolling nearly 2,100 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment.