Renowned for our commitment to excellence in nursing education, clinical practice, and research, Duke University School of Nursing consistently stands among the nation’s top-ranked nursing programs. These accolades reflect the dedication of our faculty, students, and alumni to advancing the science of nursing and improving health outcomes globally. From innovative academic programs to cutting-edge research, Duke University continues to shape the future of healthcare as one of the best colleges for nursing education.
Overall Nursing Program Rankings
Building on a tradition of excellence, Duke University School of Nursing offers some of the top-ranked nursing programs in the country. Recognition by leading organizations, including U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings of nursing schools and programs, underscores our role as a national and global leader in nursing education. These prestigious nursing school rankings highlight Duke’s position among the best colleges for nursing and reflect the strength of our comprehensive academic offerings.
Master of Science in Nursing
Our top-ranked Master of Science in Nursing programs prepare nursing professionals to lead transformative changes in patient care and health systems. Duke University School of Nursing offers several specialized MSN programs tailored to meet diverse healthcare needs, with multiple programs regularly ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report.
U.S. News & World Report 2025
#5 Best Nursing Schools: Master's
#1 Best Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs
#1 Best Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Programs
#1 Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
#1 Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
#1 Best Master's Nursing Administration Programs
#1 Best Master's Nursing Practitioner: Pediatric Primary Care Programs
Online Nursing Programs
Recognized among the best colleges for online nursing education, Duke University offers flexible, distance-based programs designed to meet the needs of working professionals. With a focus on innovation and accessibility, our top-ranked online nursing programs provide a rigorous education that empowers nurses to advance their careers while balancing their current professional commitments.
U.S. News & World Report 2025
#3 Online Master's in Nursing Programs (tie)
#3 Online Master's in Nursing Programs for Veterans (tie)
#1 Online Master's in Nurse Administration/Leadership
#1 Online Nurse Practitioner - Psychiatric Mental Health, Across the Lifespan
#1 Online Master's in Nursing Education Program (tie)
#1 Online Master's in Family Nurse Practitioner Master's Programs
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Our Doctor of Nursing Practice programs equip graduates to become trailblazers in clinical practice and healthcare leadership. Consistently recognized among national nursing school rankings, our DNP programs emphasize research, innovation, and transformational leadership to prepare graduates to address complex health challenges and drive meaningful change across the healthcare continuum.
U.S. News & World Report 2025
#2 Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice (tie)
#1 Best DNP Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
#1 Best DNP Leadership Programs
#3 Best DNP Gerontology, Acute Care Programs (tied)
#1 Best DNP Gerontology, Primary Care Programs
#1 Best DNP Nurse Practitioner: Pediatric, Primary Care Programs
#1 Best DNP Nurse Practitioner: Psychiatric / Mental Health, Across the Lifespan
#7 Best Nursing-Anesthesia (CRNA) Schools
School of Nursing Research
In addition to providing top-ranked nursing programs, Duke University School of Nursing is at the forefront of groundbreaking research. These efforts address critical healthcare challenges through innovative approaches in precision health, population health, and data science. With millions of dollars in external funding and a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, our research drives discoveries that improve health outcomes locally and globally.
- $8.9+ million in Externally Funded Research (FY2024)
- $6.8+ million in External Funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (FY2024 as of 10/2024)
- 15th for NIH Funds Awarded among Nursing Schools Engaged in NIH-Funded Research (FY2024 as of 10/2024)
- 3rd Overall NIH Funding for Individual Training Awards, 5 F31 Awards Totaling $229,132 (FY2024 as of 10/2024)
Awards & Accolades
Our commitment to fostering excellence and innovation is reflected in a wide range of national recognitions. From advancing nursing education to promoting diversity and inclusion, these honors underscore the school’s leadership and dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for students, faculty, and the broader healthcare community. Notable achievements include:
- Designated National Centers of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing in the categories of Advancing the Science of Nursing Education, Enhancing Student Learning and Professional Development, and Promoting Pedagogical Expertise of Faculty
- Awarded an Excellence in Diversity Award by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine for three years: 2016, 2020, 2021
- Recognized as one of the Best Nursing School for Men in Nursing by the American Association for Men in Nursing for eight years running: 2016-2023
- IDEA Award for Diversity and Inclusion by the American Association for Men in Nursing - Organizational Honoree: 2023
- Access to world-class facilities such as our Simulation Lab, accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) and the Council for Accreditation of Healthcare Simulation Programs