Florida State University’s graduate programs are getting national and statewide recognition in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings for best graduate schools.
U.S. News compared graduate schools in Florida and around the country, producing individual rankings across many different disciplines. Sixteen FSU graduate programs and specialties ranked in the Top 25 among public universities, with six graduate programs placing No. 1 in Florida.
That included FSU’s College of Law tying for No. 1 in the state and No. 34 in the country alongside the University of Florida’s law school. In addition, FSU’s College of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice was also rated best in Florida, the school said in a press release.
“These rankings show the strength of Florida State across the board,” FSU President Richard McCullough said in a statement. “From healthcare to law to the arts and public policy, our programs are delivering real results for students and communities. That kind of depth comes from sustained investment in faculty, research and student success.”
For universities, the rankings can help recruitment and bring in more students.
U.S. News & World Report calculates its rankings based on enrollment, job attainment, faculty and other data.
“Because each program is different, the rankings methodologies vary by discipline and graduate degree level,” the publication said in a press release.
“We know a graduate degree is a major commitment. That is why we are dedicated to methodologies that thoroughly examine a wide range of factors, from research excellence to career success,” added LaMont Jones, the managing editor of Education at U.S. News. “These rankings are a powerful tool for prospective students, offering clarity and confidence as they approach their most critical educational choice.”
Other highlights for FSU include the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences graduate program in education ranking No. 8 among public universities and No. 16 overall. The Herbert Wertheim College of Business’ MBA specialty in real estate was regarded as the No. 8 best program among public universities nationwide and No. 14 overall.
“This year, U.S. News ranked the discipline of speech-language pathology, based solely on opinions of each program’s quality as rated by academic experts at peer institutions,” the school also said in the press release.
“The speech-language pathology graduate program in the School of Communication Science and Disorders, housed within the College of Communication and Information, ranked No. 13 among publics and No. 17 overall. The program is also the best in Florida.”
The College of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program was also ranked No. 21 overall and No. 12 among public universities.
“These results speak to both the quality and range of our graduate education,” said Provost Jim Clark. “Students can pursue top programs in areas as different as engineering, education, nursing and the arts, and they’re gaining the skills and experience to move directly into impactful careers. Achieving a graduate degree opens up advanced leadership and high-paying positions across Florida, the nation and the globe.”
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