^{Health North (pictured) provides classrooms for nursing students in Arizona State University’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, which is being recognized for providing top-tier degrees for nurses by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs’ newest rankings. ASU photo}

The Master of Science in nursing degree through ASU Online, housed within the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, is once again being recognized as a top-tier degree for nurses seeking advanced education.

In the newly released U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs rankings, the Master of Science in nursing degree through ASU Online earned the No. 22 spot ahead of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; the University of Massachusetts, Amherst; and Marquette University.

The same program was also ranked No. 10 for veterans.

“At ASU, we are preparing graduate nurses to be exceptional clinicians, to step into leadership roles, to teach the next generation of nurses, and to succeed at all of the above,” said Edson College Dean Judith Karshmer.

The rankings represent a large jump from last year, moving up from No. 41 for the program overall and from No. 13 for veterans in 2025.

One of the major contributors is the student support available through ASU Online — things like online advising, tutoring, career services and technical support throughout the program.

In addition to general student support, veteran and veteran-dependent students also have access to dedicated resources through the Pat Tillman Veterans Center, including assistance with education benefits, as well as programs and events.

“Our students have the opportunity to work with, learn from, and conduct research with world-class faculty,” said Karshmer. “This significant jump in the rankings demonstrates how critical and valuable an advanced nursing degree is for future health care leaders.” 

Karshmer says the college’s expert faculty are invested in each student, wanting them to not only be successful but to find purpose and power in their role as a graduate-prepared nurse.

By: Amanda Goodman | January 26, 2026 | Original Post