Marymount University continues to gain national recognition with the newly released 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools Rankings, which feature significant increases that showcase the institution’s academic excellence, student success and career readiness.
In the latest rankings, Marymount’s Master’s in Nursing (MSN) program climbed an impressive 39 spots to secure the No. 97 position among the Best Nursing Schools (Master’s) in the nation, while Marymount’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program advanced to No. 124, up from its previous range of No. 141-156. Both Marymount’s MSN and DNP programs are No. 1 among offerings from all Virginia private institutions.
Additionally, the University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program moved to No. 132 from No. 137, continuing its trajectory as a leading program in the region—it’s currently the second-highest DPT offering in the D.C. area, and among the top 50 percent of DPT programs nationally.
“Marymount’s continued rise in the U.S. News & World Report rankings is a testament to our dedication to providing a world-class education that empowers students to thrive in their careers and make meaningful contributions to their fields,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University. “It reaffirms our role as a graduate education leader, preparing students to excel in their professions and serve their communities with distinction.”
The U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools Rankings are designed to help prospective students make informed decisions about their education by evaluating programs across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, law, medicine and nursing. By collecting data on enrollment, job placement, faculty credentials and other critical indicators, these rankings offer a comprehensive look at the quality of graduate education across the nation.
“We are committed to preparing Marymount students to become leaders in their professions by offering rigorous academic programs, personalized mentorship and real-world learning experiences,” added Dr. Pamela Slaven-Lee, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Marymount University. “These rankings reflect the exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities that define our graduate programs.”
Marymount’s graduate programs have earned recognition for their student-centric approach, experiential learning opportunities and strong career outcomes:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Marymount’s MSN program is designed to support students throughout their academic and professional journeys. The program offers flexibility with online options and hands-on experience in advanced simulation labs. With growing demand for nurse practitioners—projected to increase by 38 percent from 2022 to 2032—graduates of Marymount’s Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks are positioned for success in this high-demand field.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): The DNP program at Marymount prepares nurses for leadership roles in health care organizations, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, health policy and quality improvement. Offering a blend of online coursework and in-person residencies, the program equips graduates with the expertise to drive meaningful change in patient care and health care systems. Partnerships with top health care agencies in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia provide students with invaluable clinical experiences and networking opportunities.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): Marymount’s DPT program is recognized for preparing highly skilled physical therapists. It utilizes a modified problem-based curriculum that fosters critical thinking, clinical reasoning and ethical practice. With small class and lab sizes, students receive personalized mentorship from experienced faculty members, who have an average of 12 years of service at the University. The program boasts a 100 percent employment rate within six months of graduation, positioning its graduates for successful careers in a field projected to grow by 21 percent between 2020 and 2030.
Learn how the rankings are calculated and how Marymount’s graduate programs compare nationally.
