UAMS Colleges Ranked Among U.S. News’ Top Graduate Schools for 2026
UAMS Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions, Public Health Receive Accolades
| The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions, and Public Health garnered recognition among the top academic programs in U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Graduate Schools for 2026.
In the rankings released today, the UAMS College of Medicine is recognized as a Tier 1 school for primary care education, placing it among the highest-performing institutions in the nation. U.S. News & World Report evaluated dozens of medical and osteopathic schools and separated them into four tiers based on factors such as faculty resources and the academic achievements of entering students.
The College of Medicine rated highly in several other categories, ranking fifth in the nation for its percentage of graduates who practice in medically needy areas, 14th for graduates who work in rural communities and 30th for graduates who serve as primary care physicians.
“These rankings confirm yet again that the UAMS College of Medicine is one of the nation’s very best for primary care education, and that we understand the importance of making medical care accessible to those who need it most and to those who are in rural communities and need easier access to care,” said Steven Webber, M.D., executive vice chancellor of UAMS and dean of the college. “Our goal is to ensure that all Arkansans have access to high-quality primary care, both today and in the decades to come.”
College of Pharmacy
The UAMS College of Pharmacy ranks 31st among the nation’s pharmacy programs, making it the only Arkansas college in the top 100. Cindy Stowe, Pharm.D., dean of the College of Pharmacy, said a commitment to discovery and innovation has propelled the college’s name recognition beyond the state and region.
“Being ranked in the top quarter of colleges and schools of pharmacy is a tremendous testament to the impact of our graduates, students, and faculty,” she said. “The College of Pharmacy has a rich history of excellence that makes for a robust professional practice environment in Arkansas. UAMS graduates also are strong pharmacy advocates and leaders on the national stage.”
College of Nursing
The UAMS College of Nursing also received recognition for its graduate programs. The college’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program ranks 41st in the nation, up from 52nd the year before. It is the state’s only DNP program included in the top 100. The college’s Nurse Anesthesia program, which welcomed its first students in 2020, climbed 31 places to No. 49.
“I’m so proud of all the staff and faculty members who ensure that the Doctor of Nursing Practice program continues to put our students on the path to success in advanced nursing practice and leadership roles,” said Sarah Rhoads, Ph.D., DNP, dean of the College of Nursing. “The Nurse Anesthesia program was only established a few years ago, but it has already distinguished itself as a top-tier training ground for aspiring nurse anesthetists in Arkansas.”
College of Health Professions
The UAMS College of Health Professions had multiple programs represented in this year’s rankings, including the Physical Therapy program at 72nd and the Speech Language Pathology program at 104th. The college’s Occupational Therapy program, jointly offered by UAMS and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, made a significant jump in the rankings, rising 36 spots to No. 59.
“We are proud of the continued recognition of our Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology programs,” said Susan Long, Ed.D., dean of the College of Health Professions. “These rankings reflect the dedication of our faculty and the caliber of our students, as well as our ongoing commitment to excellence in education and to preparing graduates who will lead and serve across the health professions.”
Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health
The UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health is 74th among the nation’s public health programs and the only Arkansas program included in the top 100. Mark Williams, Ph.D., dean of the College of Public Health, said the ranking reflects the college’s dedication to education, research, and service.
“What is most important is the experience we provide for our students,” he said. “They are well prepared to positively impact the health of our communities through public health practice and science.”
UAMS is the state’s only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; a hospital; a main campus in Little Rock; a Northwest Arkansas regional campus in Fayetteville; a statewide network of regional campuses; and eight institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Psychiatric Research Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Translational Research Institute, Institute for Digital Health & Innovation and the Institute for Community Health Innovation. UAMS includes UAMS Health, a statewide health system that encompasses all of UAMS’ clinical enterprise. UAMS is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. UAMS has 3,553 students and 1,015 medical residents and fellows. It is the state’s largest public employer with about 12,000 employees, including 1,200 physicians who provide care to patients at UAMS, its regional campuses, Arkansas Children’s, the VA Medical Center and Baptist Health. Visit www.uams.edu or uamshealth.com. Find us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube or Instagram.###