STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Twelve Western Kentucky University graduate programs are receiving national attention in U.S. News and World Report’s latest rankings.
Five programs come from the College of Health and Human Services, and the Gordon Ford College of Business, one program from the Potter College of Arts and Letters, and one from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, according to a university press release.
Graduate programs in the 2026 rankings include Best Nursing Schools: Master’s, listed at No. 117, and Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice, at No. 139. U.S. News also recognized WKU in Best Speech-Language Pathology Programs at No. 139 and Best Physical Therapy Programs at No. 115. In the public health arena, WKU appears at No. 164 among Best Public Health Programs. Beyond health and human services, Western Kentucky University earned spots in Best Public Affairs Programs at No. 219 and Best Education Schools at No. 144. Business-related recognition includes Best Accounting Programs at No. 266, Best Business Analytics Programs at No. 210, Best Management Programs at No. 212, Best Marketing Programs at No. 184 and Best Supply Chain Programs at No. 150.
“Western Kentucky University is honored to be recognized for the excellence of its online graduate degree programs,” said Dr. Jennifer Hammonds, executive director of Graduate Studies and University Registrar. “This recognition is a testament to our world-class faculty and staff, who work tirelessly to deliver an exceptional learning experience to graduate students around the globe — preparing them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.”
U.S. News and World Report says its Best Graduate Schools rankings are based on survey data gathered from academic professionals across the country and on statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school’s faculty, research and students.
Barren County had 654 students enrolled at Western Kentucky University, ranking it the third highest Kentucky county for student enrollment, according to its fall 2025 enrollment data.
Key Facts
• Twelve Western Kentucky University graduate programs are ranked in U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 Best Graduate Schools list
• Rankings cover nursing, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, public health, education and several business specialties
• Programs span the College of Health and Human Services, Gordon Ford College of Business, Potter College of Arts & Letters and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
• U.S. News released the 2026 graduate school rankings on April 7, based on national surveys and statistical indicators
• A WKU graduate studies leader says the recognition reflects the work of faculty and staff and the university’s commitment to graduate education
Michael Crimmins with Glasgow News 1 contributed to this reporting.
