WKU News
U.S. News ranks 9 WKU graduate programs among nation’s best
- WKU News
- Wednesday, April 9th, 2025

Nine Western Kentucky University graduate programs have been ranked among the best in the country in U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings.
WKU graduate programs in the 2025 rankings include:
- Best Nursing Schools: Master of Science in Nursing, No. 122
- Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice, No. 124
- Physical Therapy, No. 132
- Public Health, No. 137
- Speech-Language Pathology, No. 140
- Social Work, No. 142
- Public Affairs programs, No. 179
- Psychology, No. 214
- Best Education Schools, No. 132
The 2025 rankings include six program areas from the College of Health and Human Services as well as programs from Potter College of Arts & Letters and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.
“WKU is proud to be recognized for its outstanding graduate degree programs,” said Dr. Jennifer Hammonds, Executive Director of Graduate Studies and University Registrar. “These rankings are a direct reflection of the commitment and expertise of our dedicated faculty and staff. Their tireless efforts ensure that our graduate students receive an exceptional education and experience, empowering them with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a competitive workforce.”
The Best Graduate Schools rankings are based on survey data gathered from academic professionals nationwide, as well as statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school’s faculty, research and students. The 2025 rankings were released April 8.
For more about WKU graduate programs, visit the WKU Graduate School at www.wku.edu/graduate.
Contact: Jace Lux, (270) 745-4295
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Western Kentucky University prides itself on positioning its students, faculty and staff for long term success. As a student-centered, applied research university, WKU helps students expand on classroom learning by integrating education with real-world applications in the communities we serve. Our hilltop campus is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which was recently named by Reader’s Digest as one of the nicest towns in America, just an hour’s drive from Nashville, Tennessee.