The U.S. News & World Report released on Jan. 21, 2025, once again places UConn’s online nursing programs among the best in the country.
Rising three ranks from No. 8 in 2024, UConn’s Online Graduate Nursing Program was rated as fifth overall in the U.S. The Online Nurse Educator Nurse Practitioner Master’s Program was also ranked No. 5, and the Online Nursing Leadership and Administration Master’s Program was No. 12.
UConn Nursing was also rated first in Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs for Veterans.
Almost 1,800 online bachelor’s and graduate programs were assessed and ranked based on ten criteria (excluding standardized testing) to include factors such as “faculty credentials and training, services and technology available to students, student engagement, and expert opinions on the academic quality of programs. Master’s degree programs, in addition to these criteria, are also ranked based on assessment of student excellence via undergraduate GPAs, acceptance rates and work experience,” according to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report.
Further, UConn Nursing was among ten UConn programs university-wide that achieved “best” status.
“The School of Nursing’s MS program has achieved remarkable recognition, climbing the rankings due to our unwavering commitment to innovation, transformative teaching methodologies, and a culture of excellence,” says professor and associate dean of graduate studies Annette Jakubišin Konicki, Ph.D., ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN.
“By embracing evidence-based practice, fostering experiential learning, and prioritizing student success, we continue to set new benchmarks in nursing education. This achievement underscores our dedication to shaping future health care providers and leaders.”
Students from UConn Nursing’s many flexible graduate education programs achieve an exceptional certification pass rate through thorough clinical experience, academic excellence, and visionary leadership committed to high-quality instruction.
Online education has become an increasingly desirable option for many students and allows for diversity and access to expand. In addition to the programs above, the School of Nursing offers an online master’s (MS) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
Following a record-breaking year for applications and enrollment into the School of Nursing’s undergraduate program, the largest cohort of 147 students graduated in December from the accelerated second bachelor’s degree in nursing program, also known as Certificate of Entry into Nursing (CEIN/BS).
With UConn Nursing’s new state-of-the-art building expected to open in 2026, the School aims to increase enrollment and capacity to accommodate more students and faculty as well as to increase the number of nurses in Connecticut’s workforce.
“Recognition as No. 5 in the national rankings reflects UConn Nursing’s commitment to high-quality graduate nursing education,” says Dean Victoria Vaughan Dickson, Ph.D., RN, FAHA, FHFSA, FAAN.
“UConn Nursing faculty are passionate about the education of our students and preparing the next generation of nurse educators, nurse leaders, and advance practice nurses. Our graduates are prepared to address the complex challenges facing nursing and health care today and to become the future leaders of our nursing profession.”
She concludes, “UConn Nursing is proud to recognize the dedication of our faculty and students that is reflected in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings.”
To review the complete list of the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs rankings and to obtain ranking standards, please visit https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/rankings.
To learn more about all UConn Nursing graduate programs, please visit UConn Nursing Online | Degrees & Certificate Programs | MSN | DNP.
