UNC School of Nursing undergraduate program ranks fourth in the nation

U.S. News & World Report published its 2026 Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program rankings, and Carolina Nursing’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is tied for fourth overall and first among public schools of nursing in the United States.

These rankings are determined by peer assessments from deans and senior faculty at accredited U.S. nursing programs. To be included, schools must hold bachelor’s-level accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA). Programs newly added to the rankings must have awarded at least 50 bachelor’s degrees in nursing during the 2022–2023 academic year.

“For the fifth consecutive year, the UNC School of Nursing’s BSN program has ranked among the top five in the nation. This extraordinary achievement reflects the unwavering dedication, expertise and passion of our Carolina Nursing faculty, staff, alumni and students. Together, the entire Carolina Nursing community has earned us the top ranking among public schools of nursing this year, and I could not be prouder of what we have accomplished.”

Dean Val Howard, UNC School of Nursing

This milestone is especially meaningful as Carolina Nursing celebrates 75 years of preparing exceptional nurses who advance health care and improve lives in and beyond North Carolina. Since its founding, Carolina Nursing has remained committed to excellence in nursing education, research and practice. Its legacy of innovation, leadership and service continues to shape the future of health care, and this ranking underscores the lasting impact of its public mission.

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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.