UTulsa's DNP Program Joins Top 100 in 2026 U.S. News Rankings

The University of Tulsa's Doctor of Nursing Practice program advanced in the 2026 graduate school rankings.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:23pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeating pattern of a single nursing tool, such as a stethoscope or scrubs, rendered in a vibrant, high-contrast pop art style that celebrates the program's achievements.UTulsa's Doctor of Nursing Practice program continues to elevate its national reputation, joining the top 100 graduate programs in the latest U.S. News rankings.Today in Tulsa

The University of Tulsa's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program has advanced in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report graduate school rankings, rising from 104 to 98 and remaining the top-rated DNP program in the state of Oklahoma. The program prepares advanced practice nurses to meet evolving healthcare needs through clinical expertise and applied research, offering multiple pathways to the degree.

Why it matters

The U.S. News graduate program rankings are a highly respected measure of overall program quality and reputation, so this advancement for UTulsa's DNP program highlights the impact of its students, faculty, and clinical partnerships in preparing nurses to lead in today's demanding healthcare environment.

The details

The UTulsa DNP program offers multiple pathways including family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care, nurse anesthesia, and a post-master's completion track. The post-master's pathway allows experienced clinicians to build on prior training while focusing on translational research, with students completing 500 clinical hours tied directly to their DNP project. Hands-on training remains central, with students engaging in simulation-based education and completing clinical placements across a broad network of healthcare sites.

  • The 2026 U.S. News & World Report graduate school rankings were released on April 7, 2026.

The players

Ron Walker

Dean of the Oxley College of Health Sciences at the University of Tulsa.

Oxley College of Health Sciences

The college at the University of Tulsa that houses the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing

The national organization that establishes standards for DNP programs.

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What they’re saying

“This recognition highlights the impact of our students, faculty and clinical partnerships in preparing nurses to lead in today's demanding health care environment.”

— Ron Walker, Dean, Oxley College of Health Sciences

What’s next

The University of Tulsa will continue to focus on providing high-quality nursing education and preparing advanced practice nurses to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare system.

The takeaway

UTulsa's Doctor of Nursing Practice program has solidified its reputation as a top-tier program in the state, demonstrating the university's commitment to nursing education and its ability to produce highly skilled advanced practice nurses ready to lead in the healthcare field.