A University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh degree-granting distance-education program in its College of Nursing, Health Professions and STEM has earned “Best” status as part of U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 best online rankings.
The UWO Graduate Nursing program is ranked #62, according to the publication and advances from its rank of #75 in 2025. It is the only ranked public university from Wisconsin.
Seon Yoon Chung
“This recognition affirms the extraordinary work of our faculty and staff and, most importantly, the success of our students,” said Seon Yoon Chung, Dean of the UWO College of Nursing, Health Professions, and STEM. “Being named a Best Online Program reflects our commitment to delivering a rigorous, supportive nursing education that prepares graduates to lead and serve wherever they are.”
All of the Master of Science in Nursing is 100% online and asynchronous so students are able to access recorded lecture materials during the semester, Chung added.
Designed to meet the needs of working professionals, 100 percent of students are already employed when they enroll.
UWO achieved high ranking among the 201 programs that comprised this year’s Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs . Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
According to U.S. News:
Indicators distinct to the Best Online Programs rankings include measures of services offered remotely, available technologies and course delivery best practices. U.S. News ranked schools using five categories: engagement, faculty credentials and training, peer assessment, services and technologies, and student excellence.
Ultimately, the Best Online Programs rankings measure whether online degree programs have academic standards commensurate with quality brick-and-mortar programs that are properly adapted toward the unique pedagogy of distance education.
U.S. News only surveys programs housed in regionally accredited institutions. Graduate rankings in online engineering and nursing categories require more rigorous program-level accreditation.