Carolina Nursing’s BSN program ranks among the nation’s top nursing programs

Students lay on grass reading in front of a domed campus building. Text reads: #4 B.S. in Nursing for Public Institutions. 2027 U.S. News & World Report..

U.S. News & World Report published its 2027 Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program rankings, and Carolina Nursing’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program ranks sixth overall and fourth among public schools of nursing in the United States.

The recognition comes as Carolina Nursing expands opportunities for students and invests in the spaces, technology and support that will prepare future nurses to meet the health needs of North Carolina and beyond.

“This recognition reflects the extraordinary dedication, expertise and passion of our Carolina Nursing faculty, staff, alumni and students. As we expand opportunities for future nurses and look ahead to our new Nursing Education Building, we are building on a shared commitment to academic excellence and service to the people of North Carolina.” — Dean Val Howard, UNC School of Nursing

A modern multi-story glass and steel building with red accents stands surrounded by trees, grass, and walkways. People are gathered outside near outdoor seating under umbrellas on a sunny day.

The new Nursing Education Building, slated to open in spring 2027, will feature advanced simulation labs, collaborative learning spaces and the latest technology to prepare students to deliver innovative, compassionate care. The facility will expand the school’s capacity to educate future nurses and support continued enrollment growth.

That investment builds on growing enrollment in Carolina Nursing’s undergraduate programs, with 252 students enrolled in the BSN and Accelerated BSN programs in the 2025–26 academic year, up from 227 the previous year. The Carolina Nursing Center for Student Success supports these future nurses through academic and well-being resources, mentorship and career preparation, helping them thrive as they prepare to enter the nursing workforce.

Carolina Nursing is also expanding access to its BSN program through Assured Admissions to Nursing, which launched this fall. The initiative provides selected first-year students a guaranteed place in the BSN program after their first two years at Carolina, provided they meet the required academic criteria, along with faculty mentorship, advising and opportunities to connect with the nursing community from day one. In the 2027–28 academic year, it will expand to include up to 15 qualified ROTC students per admission cycle through the BSN Military Pathway, supporting future nurses preparing for military service.

Carolina remains among the nation’s top five public universities for the 25th consecutive year and is the nation’s No. 1 Best Value University for In-State Students.

Explore UNC-Chapel Hill’s full 2027 rankings and recognitions.

About the UNC Chapel Hill School of Nursing

Established in 1950, the UNC School of Nursing is part of a cutting-edge, research-intensive university with top-ranked schools of medicine, public health, pharmacy, dentistry and social work located just steps away and adjacent to the renowned UNC Hospitals.

A globally top-ranked public school of nursing, Carolina Nursing provides a diverse, energetic and collegial environment for participating in world-class interprofessional education, scientific inquiry and practice opportunities. The school offers BSN, MSN, DNP and PhD degree programs, as well as post-graduate certificate programs.

As a leading provider of bedside nurses and nurse practitioners, educators, researchers and leaders devoted to public health and access, the UNC School of Nursing is uniquely positioned to serve the front lines of the most pressing health care challenges we face today.

For more information, visit nursing.unc.edu.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy ofﬁcials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.