By Kenya Godette 

U.S. News & World Report ranks three 鶹ý colleges and schools as well as 12 graduate programs in its 2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings. 

Among them, the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies earned an “overall” ranking at No. 90 (tie) nationally, making it the fourth highest ranked education college in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The college’s educational administration and supervision program also earned national recognition, coming in at No. 24 (tie). 

The Strome College of Business: Part-Time MBA program is ranked No. 6 in Virginia and No. 126 (tie) nationally.  

The Batten College of Engineering and Technology was ranked “overall” as one of the top five engineering colleges in Virginia, with a national ranking of No. 149 (tie). Eight of its programs were also nationally ranked: 

  • No. 66 (tie) Aerospace Engineering  

  • No. 80 (tie) Industrial/Manufacturing/Systems 

  • No. 86 (tie) Environmental Engineering 

  • No. 109 (tie) Computer Engineering 

  • No. 129 (tie) Civil Engineering  

  • No. 138 (tie) Electrical Engineering 

  • No. 141 (tie) Mechanical Engineering 

  • No. 152 (tie) Biomedical Engineering 

The Ellmer School of Nursing received two program rankings, the Master's program at No. 34 (tie) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which moved up 28 places from 2024, ranked No. 36 (tie). Both Ellmer School of Nursing programs are also among the best in Virginia. The Master's program is ranked No. 3 in the state, while the DNP program is ranked No. 2.  

"We are honored that 鶹ý’s graduate programs have been recognized as some of the best in the nation," said Shana Pribesh, interim dean of the Graduate School. "This recognition reflects the outstanding work and dedication of our graduate program directors, faculty and students who strive for excellence every day.” 

Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at 鶹ý was named a Tier 3 institution in the Best Medical Schools: Research and Best Medical Schools: Primary Care rankings. It is the only Tier 3 institution in Virginia and is ranked No. 2 in the state.  

"鶹ý proudly delivers exceptional graduate educational opportunities at a top-tier research institution within a close-knit community," said President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. "The most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings are a testament to the high-quality transformational experiences our students receive from expert faculty who are deeply committed to every student's individual success and unique professional journey." 

鶹ý offers 59 master’s programs, 29 doctoral degrees and a variety of certificates and licenses. 

Designed to help prospective students identify top programs, the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings evaluate programs in areas such as business, education, engineering, nursing and law. The rankings are based on a combination of expert opinions and statistical indicators measuring faculty quality, research and student outcomes. 

U.S. News & World Report also released 2025 Best Graduate Schools Peer Assessment Only rankings. These rankings are based solely on the results of surveys sent to academic officials in fall 2024 and early 2025. The rankings reflect peer assessments of academic quality. 鶹ý's rankings are: 

  • No. 19 (tie) Nursing Anesthesia doctoral

  • No. 35 (tie) Physician Assistant masters  

  • No. 42 (tie) Library Studies masters

  • No. 82 (tie) Public Affairs programs

  • No. 120 (tie) English doctoral

  • No. 120 (tie) Speech Language Pathology masters

  • No. 132 (tie) Physical Therapy doctoral

  • No. 133 (tie) Computer Science doctoral

  • No. 133 (tie) Occupational Therapy doctoral

  • No. 137 (tie) Public Health programs

  • No. 165 (tie) Psychology doctoral

To view the full rankings, visit the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools .