Duke’s MSN and DNP Programs Receive Top Rankings in 2025 U.S. News & World Report Graduate School Rankings
The School once again remains highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
Duke University School of Nursing once again retains top rankings across graduate nursing programs in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The School continues to lead across master’s and doctoral categories, and the CRNA degree remains among the top ten in the nation.
"Our dedication to offering one of the nation’s most comprehensive nursing programs remains unchanged."
“We are proud to see our continued commitment to training world-class nurse leaders and clinicians reflected in these latest rankings,” said Interim Dean Michael Relf, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN. “Here at Duke, we are tackling some of the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges head-on, and our dedication to offering one of the nation’s most comprehensive nursing programs remains unchanged.”
Six #1’s for MSN Programs
Overall the School was ranked #5 for 2025 Best Nursing Schools: Master's, reflecting a deep commitment to master’s level education in a variety of specialties. The School is ranked #1 in the following programs:
#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
DNP Offerings Continue to Lead
In addition to the master’s level offerings, the School ranked #2 in the nation for 2025 Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice. The School continues to lead when it comes to training doctoral-prepared nurse leaders, with top rankings for the following specialties:
#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
As a result of the School’s dedicated mission to advance health equity and social justice through a commitment to innovation and excellence in nurse-led models of care, these rankings reaffirm the School's position as a visionary leader in nursing education, research, and clinical practice.
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.