Rutgers University School of Nursing, part of Rutgers Health, has once again been ranked among the nation’s top graduate nursing schools by U.S. News & World Report. This year, the school’s doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program moved up a notch to reach No. 4 out of 146 programs ranked, placing it in the nation’s highest 3 percent and the No. 1 spot in New Jersey.

The stellar DNP ranking is published in U.S. News’ Best Graduate Schools 2025, released on April 8. Designed for prospective students looking to further their education beyond college, the rankings evaluate programs in a variety of disciplines, including nursing, medicine, business, education, engineering, and law.

Best Graduate Schools 2025 also gives high marks to Rutgers School of Nursing’s master of science in nursing (MSN) program, ranked No. 17 out of 146 schools nationwide and No. 1 in the state.

The school’s bachelor of science (BS) in nursing program is also No. 1 in New Jersey. Nationally ranked No. 39 out of 686 bachelor’s degree programs, the Rutgers program places among the country’s top 6 percent, according to the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings published last fall.

“I’m incredibly proud that Rutgers School of Nursing’s programs continue to be ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, said Angela Starkweather, (PhD, ACNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN), dean and professor.  

“This recognition reflects the commitment to excellence that drives everything we do. We’re educating and shaping nurses as leaders, innovators, and change-makers to positively transform health care in our state, nation, and beyond,” she said.

With campus locations in Newark, New Brunswick, and Blackwood, New Jersey, Rutgers School of Nursing educates more than 1,600 students in highly regarded bachelor’s, master’s, post-master’s, doctor of nursing practice, and doctor of philosophy programs.

The school has received the national Best Schools for Men in Nursing Award for seven consecutive years (2018-2024) and the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award for the past three years.

By collecting graduate school data annually, U.S. News is able to present current figures on enrollment, job attainment, faculty and other critical quality indicators that help prospective students make informed decisions.

“The 2025 Best Graduate rankings are more than numbers; they guide students to determine pathways that align with their goals,” said LaMont Jones, senior editor of Education at U.S. News. “When students have substantial data and options, they can make informed decisions to find the perfect program where they can flourish.”

Prospective students can see how Rutgers University School of Nursing compares to other institutions and programs, and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.com.