UTMB Online Graduate Nursing Program earns top recognition in Texas

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Nursing has been ranked No. 1 in Texas and No. 19 in the United States among distance-learning graduate nursing programs by U.S. News and World Report in its 2026 rankings, released today.

The publication evaluated online graduate nursing programs based on a variety of factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies. This distinction places UTMB on the list of "Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs."

"Our UTMB School of Nursing offers a variety of high-quality online master's-level programs that enable nurses to become leaders in their fields," said Dr. Kristen Starnes-Ott, interim dean of the School of Nursing. "Online graduate nursing programs not only require rigor, but strong levels of student engagement and innovative faculty support. These factors lead to an exceptional online learning experience, reflected in these national rankings."

U.S. News evaluated more than 1,800 online bachelor's and master's degree programs using metrics specific to online learning. The rankings include only degree-granting programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.

"We are proud to be recognized for the strength of our online graduate nursing programs," said Dr. Jochen Reiser, president of The University of Texas Medical Branch and CEO of the UTMB Health system. "By creating high-quality, flexible pathways for nurses to deepen their expertise, we are helping build the advanced practice workforce Texas and the nation need to close gaps in access to care."

The online graduate nursing program plays an important role in closing the health care workforce gaps by educating qualified, compassionate nurse practitioners and nurse leaders.

"The U.S. News and World Report rankings provide only a small glimpse of excellence into the various online graduate programs offered across the country, and we are proud that our programs consistently rank top in the nation," Starnes-Ott said.

Established in 1890, the UTMB School of Nursing was the first nursing school in Texas and west of the Mississippi River. Nearly 500 students graduate from the school each year, and more than 16,000 UTMB School of Nursing alumni live and work around the world.