UTMB earns multiple rankings in 2026 US News & World Report Best Graduate Programs

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) has been recognized across multiple disciplines in the 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. Several of the school's graduate health programs earned notable national rankings:

• Occupational Therapy - No. 41
• Physical Therapy - No. 57
• Nursing Anesthesia - No. 60
• Doctor of Nursing Practice - No. 64
• Public Health - No. 89

"These rankings reflect the dedication of our faculty, students, and staff to advancing education, research, and patient care," said Sheba Luke, interim chair of the Department of Graduate Studies. "We remain focused on preparing the next generation of health professionals to serve communities across Texas and beyond."

The UTMB School of Medicine was placed in Tier 2 for both Primary Care and Research, reflecting strong performance under U.S. News' updated tier-based methodology. The university also ranked No. 68 nationally for Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care and No. 125 in Most Graduates Practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas, reinforcing its longstanding commitment to addressing physician workforce needs.

"These rankings reflect the quality and commitment of our faculty, staff, and students across UTMB's graduate nursing programs," said Dr. Kristen Starnes-Ott, dean ad interim of the School of Nursing. "Recognition of our Doctor of Nursing Practice program, which includes leadership and advanced practice offerings such as our nurse anesthesia program, highlights the strength and breadth of our practice-focused doctoral education. It also reflects our mission to prepare nurse leaders who improve care delivery and patient outcomes."

U.S. News Best Graduate Schools rankings are designed to help prospective students research more than 2,000 graduate programs. Each year, U.S. News ranks professional school programs in business, education, law, and nursing, among other fields, plus specialties in each area. The Best Graduate Schools rankings are based on expert opinion about program excellence and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school's faculty, research, and students, as well as postgraduate outcomes.

Data for the rankings come from statistical surveys of 2,225 programs, as well as from reputation surveys sent to approximately 5,766 academics and 10,941 professionals. U.S. News relies on schools to accurately report their data.

To gather the peer assessment data, U.S. News asked deans, program directors, and senior faculty to judge the academic quality of programs in their field on a scale of 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding).

As prospective students research course offerings and weigh schools' intangible attributes, they can use the information on the U.S. News website to compare concrete factors like financial aid statistics and job placement success. U.S. News notes, however, that the rankings are just a tool to supplement - not replace - careful thought and individual inquiry.