Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing programs continue to impress on 2026 U.S. News & World Report list
The School of Nursing made gains in several categories and was well represented in newly ranked specialties.
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University continues to earn national recognition in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, with several programs climbing in the standings and ranking high in new categories.
In this year’s report, the school demonstrated both consistency and growth across its graduate offerings, underscoring its reputation as a leader in nursing education.
"The U.S. News & World Report rankings reflect the consistency and rigor of our graduate nursing programs and, more importantly, our ability to prepare graduates who can not only navigate but lead in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape,” said Dean Ronald Hickman (CWR '00; NUR '06, '13; GRS '08).
Among the most notable gains, the master’s program rose to #15 in the nation, up from #20 last year—an encouraging jump that reflects continued strength in curriculum, faculty expertise and student outcomes. The master’s nursing administration program also improved, earning a #5 ranking, up one spot from the previous year and reinforcing the school’s national standing in preparing healthcare leaders.
This year also introduced a new ranking category for Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Practitioner: Adult/Gerontology, Acute Care, where the School of Nursing made a strong debut at #14. The recognition highlights the school’s growing focus on caring for aging populations—an increasingly critical area in today’s healthcare landscape.
While the DNP program shifted to #19 from #14 last year, the change comes amid heightened competition across top-tier programs nationwide. The DNP program continues to be recognized among the nation’s best, and its placement within the top 20 reflects its sustained excellence and impact.
Additional survey-based rankings further illustrate the school’s breadth across specialties. The nurse anesthesia programs earned rankings of #15 and #27 in separate survey categories, while the nurse midwifery program was ranked #20. These results, based on peer assessments, highlight the strong reputation the school maintains among academic leaders and practitioners in the field.
Altogether, the latest rankings reflect a school that is not only maintaining its national prominence but also expanding into new areas of distinction. Continued upward movement in key programs, combined with strong showings in newly introduced and survey-based categories, underscores the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing’s commitment to excellence in nursing education.
