Nursing Program Achieves National Recognition in 2026 Rankings

AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn University's undergraduate nursing program has once again earned national acclaim in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, standing out as a leader in nursing education and student outcomes. Auburn’s nursing program is now ranked No. 25 among public universities and No. 40 among national universities, reflecting its commitment to preparing future healthcare professionals with a rigorous curriculum and comprehensive support.

A highlight of Auburn’s nursing success is its graduates’ exceptional performance on the NCLEX-RN, with a 100% first-time pass rate—well above the national average. This achievement spotlights the quality of Auburn’s faculty, innovative teaching methods, and hands-on clinical experiences that empower students to excel in a rapidly advancing healthcare landscape.

“Auburn’s mission is to provide students with an exceptional experience that prepares them for successful careers, while advancing real-world solutions that improve quality of life and drive innovation across local, regional, national, and global industries,” President Christopher B. Roberts said. “Our improvement across several U.S. News metrics reflects our long-term vision and commitment to provide innovative academic programs with measurable outcomes, while empowering students to become engaged citizens.”

“Auburn's nursing program exemplifies this mission, combining rigorous academics with meaningful support and career readiness,” said Dean Gregg Newschwander. Expressing his appreciation for the commitment, perseverance, and professionalism consistently exhibited by the nursing staff, he added that, “the faculty and staff are the heart of this program, dedicating themselves to mentoring and guiding each student through their journey. I am proud of the hard work, resilience, and dedication our nursing family demonstrates every day.”

Auburn University reaffirmed its place among the nation's top public institutions at No. 49 and rose to No. 102 nationally, underscoring its dedication to academic quality and enriching student experience. Notable program rankings include Supply Chain Management (No. 15 public and No. 17 national), Accounting (No. 18 public and No. 40 national), Undergraduate Teaching (No. 21 public and No. 58 national), Business (No. 31 public and No. 51 national) and Engineering (No. 33 public and No. 57 national), all demonstrating the University's broad academic strength.

The 2026 rankings assess key metrics such as academic quality, social mobility, institutional value, and student outcomes. Auburn’s priorities align with its 2035 Strategic Plan: Grounded & Groundbreaking, with continued focus on high-impact learning, career readiness, and innovative programs. The university’s strong first-year retention rate (95%) and six-year graduation rate (82%) further reinforce its reputation for student success.

“It is always gratifying to receive national recognition for Auburn’s rigorous academics and vibrant co-curricular offerings,” Roberts added. “Together with our rich campus environment, these elements make an Auburn degree both powerful and meaningful — while also fueling Alabama’s talent pipeline across key industries and sectors. Our nursing graduates, in particular, stand as proof of Auburn’s leadership in healthcare education and its impact on communities nationwide.”