Duke Nursing Maintains Top Rankings in 2026 U.S. News & World Report Graduate School Rankings

The Duke University School of Nursing has once again earned top rankings in the 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report list of Best Graduate Schools. Recognized for its high achievement across master’s and doctoral categories, the School continues to welcome students in a variety of specialties—inspiring, educating, and developing the next generation of nursing professionals. 

“Thanks are due, as always, to our faculty and staff, who set the bar for excellence and innovation, and to our students, who see firsthand what sets our School apart,” said Michael Relf, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, Dean of Duke University School of Nursing and Mary T. Champagne Distinguished Professor of Nursing. “We will continue to focus on our central mission of preparing nurse leaders and innovators and serving communities beyond our walls, promoting healthcare for all.”

MSN Program Rises in Overall Ranking

The Duke University School of Nursing is now ranked #3 (tied) in Best Nursing Schools: Master’s, up two spots from last year. Five of the School’s MSN specialties are ranked in the top two:

• #1 - Best Master's Nurse Practitioner: Adult / Gerontology, Acute Care

• #1 - Best Master's Nurse Practitioner: Adult / Gerontology, Primary Care

• #1 - Best Master's Nurse Practitioner: Family

• #1 - Best Master's Nurse Practitioner: Psychiatric / Mental Health, Across the Lifespan

• #2 - Best Master’s Nursing Administration

DNP Program Offers Variety of Highly Ranked Specialties 

In addition to its top masters-level rankings, the School is ranked #4 (tied) in the nation in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice. No less than eight of the School's DNP program specialties earned high rankings this year:

• #1 - Best DNP Nursing Administration

• #1 - Best DNP Nurse Practitioner: Family 

• #1 - Best DNP Leadership

• #1 - Best DNP Nurse Practitioner: Adult / Gerontology, Acute Care

• #1 - Best DNP Nurse Practitioner: Adult / Gerontology, Primary Care

• #1 - Best DNP Nurse Practitioner: Pediatric, Primary Care

• #3 (tied) - Best DNP Nurse Practitioner: Psychiatric / Mental Health, Across the Lifespan

• #9 (tied) - Best Nursing-Anesthesia (CRNA) Schools

The Duke University School of Nursing’s MSN and DNP programs continue to be strongly represented among the top-ranked programs in the nation, with a total of ten specialties achieving #1 rankings. As the School maintains its commitment to advancing healthcare for all, these rankings reaffirm the value in mission-centered work and an expectation of excellence—a combination that will keep driving the Duke University School of Nursing forward. 

About Duke University School of Nursing

Duke University School of Nursing is a globally recognized leader in nursing education, research, and clinical practice. Established in 1931, the School is committed to advancing health equity and improving health outcomes through innovative education, clinical practice, and nursing science. The school offers a range of programs, including a Master of Nursing (MN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and PhD in Nursing, all designed to prepare the next generation of nursing leaders. With an inclusive community, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong emphasis on interprofessional collaboration, the School is dedicated to shaping the future of nursing and healthcare.