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 2024-2025 Best Graduate Schools ranks released on April 9.
In the new rankings, the college’s DNP program is ranked 24th 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 last three years. The program has climbed over 14 spots since 2021, when it was ranked 38th among publics.
“Our rise to 24th among public universities in the U.S. News and World Report Best Graduate School rankings underscores our dedication to fostering transformative leaders in health care,” said Victoria Niederhauser, dean of the college. “This achievement reflects the collaborative efforts of our faculty, staff and students who continually strive for innovation and excellence in advancing nursing practice.”
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 data for the rankings in the main six disciplines came from statistical surveys of 2,225 programs and from reputation surveys sent to approximately 5,766 academics and 10,941 professionals, conducted in fall 2023 and early 2024.
“Being ranked in the top 25 among public universities is a testament to the profound influence that our students, faculty, and staff exert in the realm of health care,” said Allyson Neal, assistant dean of graduate programs. “By harnessing the synergy of education, clinical practice, scholarship, and cutting-edge technology, we’re spearheading advancements in health through nurse-led care. Our students, who are emerging nurse leaders, are pivotal in fostering collaborations and championing health enhancements in Tennessee and beyond.”
The rankings are categorized for the year following their release because they are intended to help prospective students make decisions.
“The recent recognition of our DNP program among the top 25 public universities is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing education,” said Shelia Swift, executive associate dean of academic affairs. “This ranking serves as an external affirmation of our collective efforts and echoes our resolve to respond proactively to the evolving health care landscape. I am immeasurably proud of what we have achieved together—faculty, staff, and students—as we continue to lead care initiatives, forge transformative partnerships, and drive meaningful health improvements both within Tennessee and across the globe.”
Visit U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools for more information on graduate school rankings.
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CONTACT:
Kara Clark (865-974-9498, kmclark2@utk.edu)