UNM's nursing program climbs nationally in latest U.S. News & World Report rankings

The University of New Mexico College of Nursing has moved up significantly in this year's national rankings. The U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges list ranks the College's Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) program No. 56 in the country, a jump from No. 118 last year. The growth comes in the College of Nursing comes as New Mexico's healthcare workforce looks to increase its numbers, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

The ranking places UNM among the top 10% of BSN programs nationwide and keeps its standing as New Mexico's top-ranked nursing program.

Other UNM programs on the 2027 Best Colleges list include:

• Undergraduate Engineering Doctorate #102 (tied)
• Undergraduate Business #129 (tied)
• Undergraduate Computer Science #127 (tied)
• Undergraduate Psychology #163 (tied)
• National Universities #236 (tied)
• Social Mobility #248 (tied)
• Top Public Schools #128 (tied)

The rankings are based on in-depth analyses of a wide variety of data points, as explained in the Best Colleges methodology article.

"I am excited to have the hard work, carried out by our faculty and staff who provide excellent education and support to our BSN students, acknowledged on the national stage," said Sasha Poole, assistant dean of undergraduate education in the UNM College of Nursing. "I also extend a heartfelt congratulations to the other undergraduate programs at UNM that are on the U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges list."

According to Fall 2026 UNM College of Nursing enrollment data, more than 1,200 students are enrolled across the undergraduate and graduate pathways.

Enrollment data shows 713 students were admitted to the College of Nursing this year - up from 645 the year before, and nearly 50% more than three years ago, as demand for the program has grown.

"We all bring our own experiences and perspectives to nursing, and being able to learn, grow and go through this journey alongside one another has been such a meaningful part of my experience at UNM."