While becoming a nurse doesn’t generally require more than a four-year degree, more advanced positions do require higher levels of education. Where is the best place for it?
Recently, U.S. News & World Report released its 2026 best graduate school rankings, including one for nursing. Nearly 200 schools were evaluated on metrics like faculty resources, research activity, program size, and student selectivity.
Emory University in Atlanta ranked No. 1 on the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) list and No. 2 on the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) list.
Emory received an overall score of 100, a peer assessment score of 4.2 out of 5, and a health care professionals assessment score of 4.6. Its best specialties in nursing are gerontology and psychiatry/mental health, ranking in the top three in both disciplines.
The Georgia runner up in both nursing lists was Augusta University ranking No. 79 for MSN and No. 94 for DNP.
Here are the top five MSN nursing schools:
Here are the top DNP nursing schools:
National Nurses Week is Wednesday, May 6 through Tuesday, May 12, according to the American Nurses Association.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email atmlegoas@gannett.com.