Online Graduate Nursing ranked 37th nationally by 'U.S. News & World Report'

University of Detroit Mercy’s online Graduate Nursing Program was ranked No. 37 nationally in U.S. News & World Report’s  Best Online Programs for 2023, marking the fourth-straight year the University was included in the rankings. 

Previously ranked at 103, the 66-spot jump came as no surprise to UDM faculty and staff when the 2023 rankings were released Jan. 24. 

“We have had strong data that speaks for itself,” said Mitzi Saunders, professor and coordinator of the graduate Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) program and president-elect of the National Association of CNS. “This is a strong, rigorous program; we maintain student retention, ensure students are getting the support they need and are given the tools to pass their exams on the first attempt,” she added. 

UDM’s College of Health Professions & McAuley School of Nursing offer three 100% online graduate nursing specialties: Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS), Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) and Health Systems Management (HSM). These programs feature flexible curriculum plans that cater to working professionals. 

“There is a perception that online classes aren’t the same quality as face-to-face, but in our case, the national average pass rates for our online programs are far above the programs that are held in the classroom — that says something,” said Saunders. 

Although ranked nationally, UDM’s online Graduate Nursing Program was rated as the best in Michigan and was the only private institution from the state included. 

“We have a long history of preparing highly qualified and compassionate graduates to be leaders in the healthcare environment, especially during these extraordinary times,” said Janet Baiardi, interim dean of the College of Health Professions & McAuley School of Nursing. “Our online graduate programs prepare graduates who are experts at improving healthcare and Detroit Mercy’s ranking is a testament to the excellence we provide.” 

Detroit Mercy has been included in U.S. News & World Report’s best online Graduate in Nursing Programs for the past four years, improving each year, earning a No. 130 ranking in 2020, No. 115 in 2021 and No. 103 in 2022. 

Learn more about University of Detroit Mercy’s McAuley School of Nursing. 

Learn more about U.S. News & World Report's best online graduate in nursing programs rankings.