Vandergriff College of Nursing and Health Sciences recognized among top 4% of U.S. nursing schools
Mississippi University for Women’s Vandergriff College of Nursing and Health Sciences continues to rank among the top programs in the nation and lead the state in nursing education.
Niche.com recently recognized The W among the top-10 public universities and colleges and No. 29 in its 2026 Best Colleges for Nursing in America. Niche.com also placed The W at No. 1 in its 2026 Best Colleges for Nursing in Mississippi ranking.
“The W is proud to prepare nurses who not only excel academically but also make a lasting difference in the health of Mississippi and beyond,” said University President Nora Miller. “Earning top rankings at the state, regional and national levels reaffirm the strength of our programs and the value of a W nursing degree.”
The ranking places The W in the top 4% of nursing schools nationwide. The W climbed to No. 29 overall and No. 7 among four-year public universities, up from last year’s rankings of No. 31 and No. 9, respectively.
The 2026 Best Colleges for Nursing in America ranking by Niche.com is based on a review of academic, admissions, financial and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education, along with millions of reviews from students and alumni.
“I am thrilled to know the students, faculty, staff and leadership of our college have been recognized for our impact on the state, the nation and our nursing profession. This recognition is a testament to our commitment,” said Dr. Brandy Larmon, dean of the Vandergriff College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
In addition to national recognition, the college reported a 100% job placement rate among spring 2025 nursing graduates, with 84% choosing to remain in Mississippi. The W continues to lead the state in producing undergraduate nurses, averaging more than 400 annually.
Other ranking sites also placed The W’s nursing programs among the best in the state and region. NursingProcess.org ranked The W’s ASN, BSN and RN-BSN programs No. 1 in Mississippi. It also placed the ASN program No. 1 in the Southeast and the BSN program No. 4 in the Southeast.
RegisteredNursing.org ranked The W No. 1 in its 2026 Best Nursing Schools in Mississippi, recognizing the university’s associate and baccalaureate nursing programs. That ranking can be viewed at: www.registerednursing.org/state/mississippi/#show.
The Vandergriff College of Nursing and Health Sciences is home to more than 900 students. It includes the Department of Associate of Science in Nursing, the Department of Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Department of Graduate Nursing, the Department of Health and Kinesiology and the Department of Speech-Language Pathology.