U.S. News & World Report has released its 2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings, revealing significant changes across various disciplines and highlighting institutions that have made remarkable strides.
Law Schools
In the realm of legal education, Stanford Law School and Yale Law School continue to share the top position. The University of Virginia Law School made a notable leap, ascending four spots to secure fourth place. Meanwhile, Harvard and Duke have moved down to tie at sixth, indicating a dynamic shift among the elite law schools.
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Business Schools
The 2025 MBA rankings spotlight Stanford University and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School sharing the top spot, driven by a heightened focus on post-graduation salary data.
Washington University in St. Louis climbed 11 places to enter the Top 30, while the University of Virginia advanced into the Top 10, reflecting the increasing importance of career outcomes in business education.
Engineering Schools
Public universities have made significant gains in engineering, with the University of California–Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology leading the rankings.
These institutions have demonstrated excellence in research output and faculty resources, solidifying their positions at the forefront of engineering education.
Nursing Programs
Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing has been recognized for its outstanding online master’s programs, achieving top rankings in both overall quality and veterans’ education.
The University of Connecticut also garnered high marks, securing the fifth position in Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs and the top spot for veterans.
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Methodology
The 2025 rankings have adjusted their methodology to place greater emphasis on measurable outcomes such as employment rates and salary data, while reducing the weight of peer assessments.
This shift aims to provide a more objective evaluation of program effectiveness and align the rankings with the priorities of prospective students. For a comprehensive view of the 2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings, visit the official U.S. News & World Report website.