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CU Anschutz College of Nursing continued its climb, netting a No. 1 spot in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Rankings. Also this year, the School of Medicine was named a top-tier research univerity in the country, and the Colorado School of Public Health (ColoradoSPH) jumped five spots to No. 14.
College of Nursing Midwifery Program Ranks No. 1 in the Country
The midwifery program at the University of Colorado Anschutz College of Nursing is tied for best in the country. The program has moved into the first spot, up from second last year and third in 2024. The rankings are based on several factors, including academic quality, location, environment, cost after tuition and financial aid, and job placement.
"These rankings reflect our college's commitment to innovation, academic rigor and preparing nurses who transform healthcare," said Dean Elias Provencio-Vasquez, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAANP. "As we celebrate becoming the nation's top midwifery program, we remain focused on what matters most: educating the next generation of nurse leaders and improving health outcomes for the communities we serve," he said.
School of Medicine a Tier 1 Research Institution, Physical Therapy No. 12
The University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine has been named to the top tier of research institutions in the country by U.S. News and World Report. There are 16 universities named in tier one, and four tiers altogether.
This year’s ranking is a boost for the CU Anschutz School of Medicine, which was listed as a tier two institution last year.
“I am proud of the continuous work, productivity, and successes of the CU Anschutz School of Medicine faculty that have contributed to our institution being top tier,” says John H. Sampson, MD, PhD, MBA, dean of the School of Medicine and vice chancellor for health affairs. “This ranking puts us among the best of the best in the country.”
Additionally, in primary care rankings, the CU Anschutz School of Medicine jumped to tier two, up from tier three in 2025. In physical therapy rankings, the school ranked No. 12.
Colorado School of Public Health Rises to No. 14
The Colorado School of Public Health (ColoradoSPH) jumped five spots from last year's No. 19 ranking to No. 14.
“Even amid a year of challenges and uncertainty, our community came together in extraordinary ways,” said ColoradoSPH Dean Cathy Bradley, PhD. “This recognition is a testament to what we can accomplish when we move forward as one community dedicated to improving public health. We have achieved a win for not just the school, but for the people of Colorado.”
The 2026 rankings evaluated more than 215 schools and programs accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The rankings are based on peer assessment surveys completed by deans, administrators,and faculty.
Communicators from the Colorado School of Public Health, CU Anschutz College of Nursing and CU Anschutz School of Medicine contributed to this article.
