Ohio State nursing master’s and doctoral programs ranked among nation’s best in 2026 U.S. News rankings

Columbus, Ohio - The Ohio State University College of Nursing has once again earned national recognition for the quality and impact of its graduate programs, according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Nursing Programs rankings.

The college’s traditional Master of Science in Nursing program ranked No. 3 (tied) nationally, while the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program ranks No. 15. Several specialty programs also received top rankings, reflecting Ohio State’s ongoing commitment to preparing advanced practice nurses and nursing leaders. Highlights include:

• Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs – No. 3
• Best Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Programs – No. 4 (tied)
• Best Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs – No. 5
• Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs – No. 5

“The need for advanced practice nurses continues to rise across Ohio and the nation, and our high-quality programs are preparing graduates to meet that demand across a wide range of specialty areas,” said Karen Rose, PhD, RN, FGSA, FNAP, FAAN, dean of The Ohio State University College of Nursing. “Buckeye nurses are making a meaningful difference in communities across Ohio and the country, and we are proud to continue our legacy of excellence while advancing nursing and health.”

“Our faculty and students are driven to change health care for the better to benefit all people, and they display that drive every day,” said Becky Lorenz, PhD, RN, senior associate dean for academic affairs and educational innovation and associate professor at the College of Nursing. “We’re so proud of what they accomplish within our college, and we’re excited to soon celebrate hundreds of new nurses who will graduate from our programs, ready to provide optimal care to patients in communities large and small.”

Ohio State’s graduate nursing programs are regularly evaluated for peer assessment, faculty credentials, research activity and outcomes that directly support quality and leadership in nursing practice. The high placement of both the master’s and DNP programs highlights the college’s role in meeting the growing need for advanced practice nurses and nursing leaders across diverse settings.

In January, U.S. News & World Report released rankings of online nursing programs and ranks Ohio State’s online Master of Science in Nursing program No. 1 in the nation for 2026. This is complemented by top-five rankings for two specialty programs. Ohio State’s Family Nurse Practitioner specialty ranks No. 3 overall and No. 1 among public institutions, and the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty ranks No. 5 overall and No. 3 among public institutions.