Wayne State graduate nursing programs rise in 2026 U.S. News rankings

The Wayne State University College of Nursing continues to gain national momentum in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Nursing Schools rankings, with its master's program rising five spots to No. 22 and its Doctor of Nursing Practice program climbing 20 spots to No. 41. Wayne State also earned a No. 20 ranking in the new Best DNP Gerontology, Acute Care Programs category, recognized by U.S. News for the first time this year.

Together, these results reflect the strength of Wayne State's graduate nursing programs and its position as second-highest overall graduate nursing education in Michigan.

"These rankings speak to the quality of our graduate nursing programs and the commitment of the faculty, staff and students who shape them every day," said Ramona Benkert, PhD, ANP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, dean of the Wayne State University College of Nursing. "Wayne State is preparing nurse leaders who are equipped to address complex health care challenges, drive innovation and improve lives in Detroit and far beyond."

U.S. News & World Report evaluated nearly 200 accredited nursing schools for the 2026 Best Nursing Schools rankings. To be ranked, programs were required to submit the latest statistical survey to U.S. News, report offering in-person, hybrid or flexible learning at the applicable degree level and meet a minimum enrollment of 10 total students.

Overall rankings were calculated using weighted, standardized values across indicators such as faculty resources, research activity, quality assessment, program size and student selectivity. Specialty rankings were calculated solely from assessments by nursing school deans and deans of graduate studies, who identified up to 15 schools offering the best programs in distinct specialty areas.

"The 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings are designed to provide those pursuing an advanced degree with a wealth of data to inform their academic choices and to help them as they evaluate their post-college choices," said LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News. "Achieving a top rank signifies a program demonstrates strong performance across key metrics, from faculty resources and research activity to graduate employment and student selectivity, which ultimately serves those seeking the best possible graduate education."

Wayne State has a long history of leadership in graduate nursing education. In 1954, the College of Nursing launched the first Master of Science in Nursing program in Michigan, with a specialization in psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse specialist.