UC College of Nursing continues to rise in U.S. News & World Report rankings

New 2025 rankings by U.S. News & World Report place University of Cincinnati College of Nursing as a top school for online master’s programs in three categories:

• No. 7 Best Online Master's in Nursing Education Programs
• No. 9 Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs for Veterans
• No. 21 Best Online Master’s in Nursing Program

The No. 21 ranking as Best Online Master’s in Nursing Program represents a 15-spot climb from No. 36 last year and places UC Nursing as one of only three schools in the region to rank in the top 25.

“Our strong history of providing quality, affordable education to a growing number of nurses who want to further their careers is reflected in our continued placement in these and other rankings,” says Alicia Ribar, PhD, RN, the college’s dean. "Online students comprise more than two-thirds of all our graduate students, a testament to both the demand for quality programs and the strong reputation of the education we provide.” 

The recently launched Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education program, the only one in the region to be ranked, reinforces UC’s position as a leader in nursing education. As the need for registered nurses continues to grow and faculty shortages across the country result in limited capacity for nursing programs, the program creates a pathway to address the demand for skilled nursing educators.

 “We’re glad to be part of the solution to the nursing shortage by preparing educators with advanced nursing knowledge and pedagogical expertise for roles in academic and clinical settings,” says Melanie Kroger-Jarvis, DNP, RN, director of Nurse Educator Programs.

The Best Online Programs rankings—pulled from surveying distance education programs offered by public, private and for-profit institutions—reflect scores from faculty credentials and training, student engagement, admissions selectivity, peer reputation, and student services and technology.

The UC College of Nursing was the first in the U.S. to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and remains a nationally recognized institution for its academic standards, diversity and inclusion efforts, technology application and research activity. Today, the college's more than 20,000 living alumni proudly display our leadership and core values as they work to improve the health of individuals and communities around the world.