April 7, 2025
U.S. News & World Report published its 2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings, and Carolina Nursing continues to rank among the top 10 public universities for both its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.
“We are immensely proud to see our master’s and DNP programs consistently ranked among the best nationwide,” said Valerie Howard, dean of the UNC School of Nursing. “These rankings highlight Carolina Nursing’s long-standing commitment to innovation, academic excellence and improving lives for the public good. They also affirm the incredible dedication of our talented students, faculty, and staff who lead transformative research and education to shape health care both in North Carolina and globally.”
Carolina Nursing distinguishes itself through rigorous academic offerings, innovative research, and its deep commitment to serving the public good. The school’s expert faculty members include nationally recognized clinicians, researchers, and leaders who actively contribute to advances in health care practice, policy, and education. The School’s reputation for excellence has attracted students from across the country and around the world, and its graduates are among the most sought-after in the nursing profession.
Beginning Fall 2025, all of Carolina Nursing’s Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs will be delivered online. This expansion includes top-ranked nurse practitioner specialties and all post-graduate certificate programs, enhancing opportunities for working nurses throughout North Carolina and beyond. These online programs join the school’s established and successful online tracks in health care leadership and administration and the MSN to DNP pathway.
Carolina Nursing will continue to offer the high-touch, personal learning experiences that have long defined its approach to education, now in a more flexible online format. The School remains deeply committed to excellence, ensuring these programs meet the highest standards in digital education while delivering the same level of quality, engagement, and connection students expect.
This transition expands access to Carolina Nursing’s top-ranked programs for students across North Carolina, providing the flexibility needed to meet the growing demand for highly skilled nursing professionals.
Full rankings are available at the U.S. News and World Report website.
Carolina Nursing’s Top-Ranked Programs
MSN
Overall: tied for 12th
Nursing Administration: 6th
Family Nurse Practitioner: 6th
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 5th
DNP
Overall: tied for 14th
Family Nurse Practitioner: tied for 8th
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.