AUCON ranked among nation’s Top 20 public undergraduate nursing programs

For the first time in program history, Auburn University’s College of Nursing has earned a place among the nation’s Top 20 public undergraduate nursing programs in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings that were released Tuesday. AUCON climbed an impressive 13 spots to No. 27 nationally and No. 19 among public universities. The jump represents the largest year-over-year gain of any Auburn University program.

“This recognition reflects the extraordinary dedication of our faculty, staff and students, as well as our unwavering commitment to preparing practice-ready nurses. To be ranked among the nation’s Top 20 public undergraduate nursing programs is a tremendous milestone for Auburn Nursing, but what makes us most proud is seeing our graduates excel on the NCLEX-RN, secure employment immediately after graduation, and make a meaningful impact in communities across Alabama and beyond,” said Gregg Newschwander, dean of the College of Nursing.

A key driver of Auburn's success is its graduates’ exceptional performance on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The college achieved a 96 percent first-time pass rate, significantly exceeding the national average. This accomplishment reflects the strength of Auburn’s faculty, innovative teaching methods and hands-on clinical experiences that prepare graduates to excel in an increasingly complex health care environment.

Employers are taking notice. Among Spring 2026 graduates, 89 percent reported securing employment by graduation in May, demonstrating the strong demand for Auburn nursing graduates and the value of an Auburn nursing degree in today’s workforce. Auburn’s investment in nursing education continues to prepare more highly skilled nurses to meet growing workforce needs and serve communities across Alabama and beyond.

“The demand for highly skilled nurses has never been greater, and Auburn University is proud to be helping meet that need. This recognition highlights the quality of the educational experience we provide and the success of our graduates, who leave Auburn prepared to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care from their very first day as professional nurses,” Newschwander said.

Released annually, the 2027 Best Colleges rankings evaluate more than 1,700 colleges and universities nationwide.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs rankings are determined by the average of scores received from surveys of top academics and officials at nursing schools or departments. These officials rated the overall quality of undergraduate BSN programs they were familiar with on a 1-5 scale. Schools are included and ranked in this standalone peer assessment survey if they have bachelor’s-level accreditation by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. In addition, these regionally accredited institutions must have recently awarded at least 50 BSN degrees.

Founded as the School of Nursing at Auburn University in 1979, Auburn’s College of Nursing prepares compassionate, skilled, and highly qualified nurses who are ready to meet the evolving health care needs of diverse populations. The College’s mission is to advance health and healthcare for all, through excellence in practice, teaching, research, and outreach.