Old Dominion University’s graduate programs earned broad recognition in the 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings from the U.S. News & World Report with four colleges and schools and 33 programs ranked, including several with notable gains this year.
Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University earned a Tier 2 designation in the Best Medical School: Primary category and a Tier 3 designation in the Best Medical Schools: Research category — making it one of the best medical schools for primary care and research in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The medical school was also nationally ranked for having the most graduates practicing in primary care, rural areas and medically underserved areas.
Two programs in Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer School of Nursing at Old Dominion University are also among the best overall in Virginia. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) and the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) ranked in the top 25% nationally with the D.N.P. program ranked second in the state and the M.S.N. ranked third.
Old Dominion University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program in Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer College of Health Sciences at ODU improved its ranking from 2025 by climbing 35 spots to No. 97 nationally and second in the state.
“Our competitive programs prepare our students to become the workforce leaders of tomorrow, both here in the Commonwealth of Virginia and across the country, thanks to the world-class expertise of our esteemed faculty,” said Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. “This recognition supports the University’s longstanding commitment to academic excellence by setting us apart from our peers and providing the talent needed for the careers of today and the future.”
The Darden College of Education and Professional Studies earned an overall ranking at No. 95 nationally, making it the fifth highest ranked education college in the state among a total of 37.
The Batten College of Engineering and Technology was ranked overall and eight of its programs were nationally ranked with three in the top 100:
- No. 68 (tie) Aerospace Engineering;
- No. 79 (tie) Industrial/Manufacturing/Systems; and
- No. 96 (tie) Environmental Engineering.
The U.S. News & World Report nationally ranked several programs within the Strome College of Business, including accounting, business analytics, information systems, part-time MBA and supply chain.
Brian K. Payne, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, said, “These rankings are a testament to the consistent high-quality education provided across multiple disciplines by our faculty, who ensure students are well prepared to elevate their careers with a graduate degree.”
Marisol Perez, Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School, said, “The U.S. News & World Report rankings affirm the strength of our graduate programs, reflecting the excellence of our faculty, the impact of our research and the success of our students in addressing real-world challenges.”
Old Dominion University offers 61 master’s programs, 32 doctoral degrees, an MD program and a variety of certificates and licenses.
Designed to help prospective students identify top programs, the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings evaluate programs in areas, such as business, education, engineering and nursing. The rankings are based on a combination of expert opinions and statistical indicators measuring faculty quality, research and student outcomes.
The U.S. News & World Report also released the 2026 Best Graduate Schools Peer Assessment Only rankings. These rankings are based solely on the results of surveys sent to academic officials in Fall 2025 and early 2026. The rankings reflect peer assessments of academic quality. With an additional 10 programs also receiving recognition, Old Dominion University’s rankings in the top 100 are:
- No. 32 (tie) Criminology;
- No. 35 (tie) Physician Assistant;
- No. 40 (tie) Nursing Anesthesia doctoral;
- No. 42 (tie) Library Studies master’s;
- No. 92 (tie) Public Affairs programs; and
- No. 97 (tie) Physical Therapy doctoral.
To view the full rankings, visit the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools website.