The Indiana University School of Nursing has climbed significantly in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, marking one of the most notable moves for the school in recent years.
In the annual ranking released on Sept. 23, 2025, the school's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program rose to No. 13 in the nation among undergraduate nursing programs, up 26 spots from the previous year. It is now the only nursing program in Indiana ranked in the national top 20.
The U.S. News & World Report rankings evaluate accredited nursing programs across hundreds of institutions using a range of metrics, including peer assessment scores, graduation rates, and indicators of student excellence. Although the methodology emphasizes relative placement rather than absolute quality, a leap this large is noteworthy for prospective students and nursing faculty alike.
Interim Dean Janet S. Carpenter, PhD, RN, FAAN, said the ranking reflects sustained efforts by the school's educators and partners. Being recognized among the top 15 nursing schools in the country is both an honor and a reflection of our community's unwavering commitment to excellence,
she said. The statement credited faculty, students, alumni, and regional healthcare partners for contributing to the school's progress.
The ranking comes as the school welcomed its largest-ever undergraduate nursing class for the 2025–26 academic year. With 477 new students enrolled across IU's campuses in Bloomington, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis, overall undergraduate nursing enrollment now stands at nearly 2,000 students. That's the highest in the school's history.
As defined by the school, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program includes three tracks:
- Traditional BSN.
- Accelerated second-degree BSN.
- RN to BSN completion track.
These pathways are designed to meet the needs of a diverse student body, from recent high school graduates to licensed RNs seeking a baccalaureate degree.
Indiana University School of Nursing, founded in 1914, educates nurses at the undergraduate and graduate levels across multiple campuses. Beyond the BSN, the school offers master's and doctoral degrees intended to prepare advanced-practice nurses, educators, and leaders in healthcare.
For prospective students seeking a nursing school in Indiana, the rise in the U.S. News rankings signals enhanced national visibility for IU's BSN programs and may factor into decisions about where to apply or enroll. While rankings are just one piece of the academic decision puzzle, they often reflect broader investment in curriculum development, clinical partnerships, and student support services. All of these elements can affect student success and post-graduation outcomes.
Read the university's full announcement on the 2026 rankings here: Indiana University School of Nursing rankings announcement.
To learn more about the Indiana University School of Nursing and its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, visit: https://nursing.iu.edu/.