Value of University of Maryland School of Nursing’s Graduate Programs Continues to Be Reflected in National Rankings

Baltimore, Md. – The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) continues to be recognized for its academic excellence, as evidenced by its graduate programs once again ranking in the top 10 nationwide for public schools of nursing, according to the newly released 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools.”

The School’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs are both ranked No. 6 in the nation among public schools of nursing. Its MSN Nursing Leadership and Management specialty has maintained the No. 1 spot among public schools. Three DNP specialties are also ranked.

The latest rankings reflect UMSON’s reputation as a School that continues to excel in educating nurse leaders, advancing the science of nursing through innovative research, emphasizing practical learning, and fostering its commitment to serving the community. The number of respondents to the U.S. News survey included 147 Master of Science programs and 154 DNP programs out of 682 accredited nursing schools surveyed.

“We are immensely proud of our students, faculty, and staff, whose dedication and excellence continue to make UMSON a leader in nursing education,” 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. “These rankings affirm our commitment to advancing the field of nursing through rigorous education and impactful research.”

Among UMSON’s rankings:

• MSN Nursing Leadership and Management specialty – ranked No. 3 overall and remains No. 1 among public schools of nursing
• Overall DNP program – ranked No. 14 overall and remains No. 6, tied, among publics
• Overall MSN – ranked No.17 overall and moved up to No. 6, tied, among public schools of nursing
• DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialty – ranked No. 9, tied, overall and No. 4, tied, among publics
• DNP Family Nurse Practitioner specialty – ranked No. 11 overall and remains No. 4, tied, among publics
• DNP Nurse Anesthesia specialty – ranked No. 35 overall and moved up to No. 4 among publics

The U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on a variety of indicators, including student selectivity and program size, faculty resources, and research activity, and on survey data from deans of schools of nursing that are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education. In late 2025 and early 2026, U.S. News surveyed 682 nursing schools with master's or doctoral programs. Of those, 147 master's programs, and 154 DNP programs provided enough data to be eligible for inclusion in the ranking. Many institutions were ranked in both, using some overlapping nursing school data that applies to both the master's and DNP programs involving research grants and faculty counts.

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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 2,000 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.