For the second year in a row, the Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN) program at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences is the most highly ranked program in Tennessee, according to the U.S. News and World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges listing.
The BSN ranks 26th among public undergraduate nursing programs in the U.S. and 36th among all such nursing programs at both private and public universities nationwide in the magazine’s annual listing. The new ranking places the BSN program at UT Health Sciences in the top 6% of all 671 BSN programs assessed nationwide.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and achievements of our students and the unwavering commitment of our faculty,” said College of Nursing Dean Wendy Likes, PhD, DNSc. “At the heart of our BSN program is a mission to prepare future nurses to lead with knowledge, compassion and integrity. We are proud to see their success reflected in this national ranking and remain dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience.”
The next most highly ranked BSN program in Tennessee is Belmont University, which ranked No. 115 among public and private universities nationwide. In the Mid-South, Arkansas State University ranked No. 135 among public and private universities, tying with East Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The BSN program at the University of Memphis was ranked No. 336.
The College of Nursing at UT Health Sciences offers an accelerated, 12-month BSN pathway and a traditional, four-semester BSN track. A 12-month, online RN to BSN program will begin in January, and applications are open until Nov. 1. The college just admitted 119 new BSN students, one of the largest classes in recent years, for the fall semester.
Recent BSN graduate Erika Wilson said, “What I appreciated most about UT Health Sciences and the BSN program was how much it helped me grow as a person. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone, helped me become more confident and taught me a lot about myself along the way. I also had the opportunity to build genuine friendships with people who understood the journey and became an important part of my experience. The relationships, memories and personal growth I gained at this institution are things I’ll carry with me for a lifetime.”
The BSN program rankings are based on assessments by deans and senior faculty of the academic quality of peer programs with which they are familiar on a five-point scale, according to the methodology document by U.S. News and World Report.