Rush College of Nursing received top rankings in the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s "America’s Best Graduate Schools" survey.
This year, U.S. News assessed more than 600 nursing schools across the country. The College of Nursing was recognized for delivering an exceptional nursing education, further solidifying itself as a top nursing school in the country.
The College of Nursing ranked No. 3 overall in the Doctor of Nursing Practice category.
In addition to the overall DNP category, these DNP specialty tracks ranked in the top four:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (No. 4)
- DNP Leadership Programs (No 4)
- Gerontology, Acute Care (No. 3)
- Gerontology, Primary Care Programs (No. 4)
- Pediatric, Primary Care Programs (No. 3)
- Psychiatric/Mental Health (No. 2)
The College of Nursing’s Nurse Anesthesia program ranked No. 27. The Generalist Entry Master’s program was also ranked as the No. 29 program in the country.
In January, the College of Nursing also ranked ninth in U.S. News’ 2026 Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs list.
National League for Nurses
The College of Nursing has been honored with the National League for Nursing Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. This designation is granted for a period of five years with fewer than 10 percent of more than 1,000 NLN members earning Center of Excellence recognition. The College of Nursing earned recognition in the category of Creating Environments that Enhance Student Learning and Professional Development.
American Association for Men in Nursing
Rush University College of Nursing has been awarded Best Schools for Men in Nursing for the 4th consecutive year. This honor recognizes decades of the College of Nursing's dedication to the advancement of men in the nursing profession. The university has been at the forefront of the movement to increase men’s representation in the profession since the 1970s when inaugural dean Dr. Luther Christman helped establish and expand a national organization for male nurses.