Rush University has been highlighted again as a top institution in U.S. News & World Report’s latest Best Graduate School Rankings, with programs in both the College of Nursing and College of Health Sciences ranking in the top five nationally.
“Rush University continues to provide a dedicated clinical and educational focus on training our next generation of health care providers and leaders who will make an impact at the bedside, in our labs and throughout the field of health care,” says Robert S.D. Higgins, MD, MSHA, president and chief academic officer, Rush University and chief clinical and academic officer and senior vice president, Rush University System for Health. “These rankings reaffirm our commitment to ensuring students receive the highest-quality education possible while learning and training at Rush University.”
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.
“I am extremely proud of the College of Nursing and the recognition of its doctoral programs whose education is rooted in excellence,” says Christine Kennedy, PhD, RN, the John L. and Helen Kellogg Dean, College of Nursing. “These rankings reflect the commitment of our faculty and staff who work hard to ensure our students receive an education that will ultimately help them become leaders and advance health care.”
In addition to the overall DNP category, its DNP specialty tracks ranked in the top four:
- DNP Administration Programs (No. 2)
- 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.
College of Health Sciences
The College of Health Sciences saw four programs ranked by U.S. News, including one program in the top five and one in the top 10:
- Health Systems Management (No. 5)
- Audiology-Doctorate (No. 9)
- Occupational Therapy (No. 15)
- Speech-Language Pathology (No. 27)
“I am honored to see our programs be recognized nationally by our peers,” says Jason Turner, PhD, MAE, dean, College of Health Sciences. “The College of Health Sciences continues to see success throughout each of its programs and is dedicated to creating a learning environment for our students to thrive in and learn how to better health for all.”
Rush Medical College Recognized in Research Category
Along with the university’s nursing and health sciences programs, Rush Medical College was also recognized by U.S. News for its research. This year, the medical college was ranked tier 2 in the U.S. News research rankings category.
About Rush University
Rush University is a health science university that is integral to Rush University System for Health, an academic health system that includes Rush University Medical Center, Rush University, Rush Copley Medical Center and Rush Oak Park Hospital, as well as numerous outpatient care facilities. The system integrates outstanding patient care, education, innovative research and community partnerships.
Rush University is known for its high-quality health care education, supportive learning environment, commitment to community and forward-looking education approach through its teacher-practitioner model.