College of Nursing Among Top Public DNP Programs, U.S. News and World Report Rankings

A large group of professionally dressed individuals pose for a group photo outdoors in front of a statue of a man holding a torch.

The College of Nursing DNP program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, ranked among the top 25 public universities in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Graduate Schools ranks released on April 8.

In the new rankings, the college’s DNP program is ranked 22nd among public DNP programs. That is the highest ranking that the DNP program has placed. The college has moved up significantly in rankings over the years. The program has climbed over 16 spots since 2021, when it was ranked 38th among publics.

“We are incredibly proud that the College of Nursing has been recognized in the top 25 among publics,” said Victoria P. Niederhauser, dean of the college. “This achievement reflects our commitment to excellence in nursing education and our mission to prepare the next generation of advanced practice nurses who will lead and innovate in health care.”

The Best Graduate Schools rankings evaluate programs in a variety of disciplines, including business, education, engineering, law, and nursing. Rankings in these areas are based on two types of data: expert opinion about program excellence and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school’s faculty, research, and students.

The rankings are categorized for the year following their release because they are intended to help prospective students make decisions.

Visit U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools for more information on graduate school rankings.

_____

CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-974-9498, [email protected])