The University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing made a significant move in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, with its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program advancing to No. 8 nationally, the highest placement in the program's history.
According to a news release posted on Sept. 24, 2025, the School of Nursing's BSN program climbed 18 spots from its prior standing in the U.S. News rankings, positioning UW–Madison among the top undergraduate nursing programs in the nation. It also ranked No. 5 among public universities with BSN programs, reflecting strong peer recognition within the higher education community.
The U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings evaluate accredited undergraduate nursing programs across the United States, with data drawn from peer assessments, academic quality indicators and other measures of program performance. Inclusion among the top 10 suggests consistent strength in areas such as faculty resources, student outcomes and institutional reputation.
Dean Linda D. Scott, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FADLN, FNAP, FAAN, said the ranking reflects collective efforts across the school to support student success and public health impact. The entire School of Nursing community should be proud of how we bring our mission to life and embody the Wisconsin Idea,
Scott said. Together, we improve health and change lives across the state and beyond.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree with several pathways designed to serve different student needs, including:
- Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A four-year program with general education and nursing coursework designed for students entering directly from high school or transfers.
- Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An intensive pathway for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and are seeking nursing licensure.
- RN to BSN Online | BSN@Home. A collaborative online completion program for licensed registered nurses with an associate degree or nursing diploma.
These options offer students flexibility in how they pursue their BSN and reflect the school's commitment to accommodating a range of educational backgrounds.
In addition to the undergraduate BSN, the School provides graduate nursing education, including master's and doctoral programs that focus on advanced practice, leadership and research. These programs aim to prepare nurses for roles in clinical care, education, policy and population health.
Enrollment at UW–Madison's School of Nursing has grown steadily, with increasing interest from students seeking comprehensive preparation for the nursing profession. The school's location in Madison supports a wide range of clinical partnerships with hospitals and health systems across Wisconsin, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in diverse care settings.
For prospective students seeking a nursing school in Wisconsin, the rise in the U.S. News undergraduate rankings signals heightened national visibility for the BSN program. While rankings are one of many factors to consider when evaluating nursing schools, placement in the top 10 generally reflects broader academic strengths and investment in student outcomes.
Read the official announcement about the School of Nursing's 2026 ranking results here: UW–Madison School of Nursing rankings announcement.
To learn more about the UW–Madison School of Nursing and its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, visit: https://nursing.wisc.edu/bsn/.