UA Little Rock Nursing Program Makes Significant Leap in National Rankings
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s undergraduate nursing program has made a significant jump in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 rankings, moving up 53 slots to No. 130 in the nation. This improvement highlights the program’s ongoing commitment to excellence in healthcare education and its dedication to preparing future healthcare leaders.
In addition to the nursing program, UA Little Rock’s undergraduate business, computer science, and psychology programs were also ranked among the best in the country. The other UA LIttle Rock rankings include:
- Best Undergraduate Business – No. 222
- Best Undergraduate Computer Science – No. 240
- Best Undergraduate Psychology – No. 249
The School of Nursing, which holds the university’s largest undergraduate program, has a variety of well-respected undergraduate degree programs, including the Student to RN, Student to BSN, Online RN to BSN, and LPN/Paramedic to RN. The nursing program’s rapid ascent reflects the program’s emphasis on creating a student-centered learning environment and offering practical clinical experiences.
Recently, UA Little Rock has secured key partnerships and funding to support these efforts, including a nearly $1 million ALIGN grant from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. The grant is designed to help address nursing shortages in the state by providing nursing scholarships, enhance simulation training for students, and expand support for nursing faculty.
With this funding, UA Little Rock has expanded opportunities for nursing students to engage in cutting-edge clinical simulations and hands-on experiences that mirror real-life healthcare challenges. These initiatives have played a pivotal role in raising the program’s profile.
“We are thrilled to see such a leap in the rankings,” said Dr. Sloan Davidson, director of the School of Nursing. “This is a testament to the hard work of our faculty, staff, and students. The high-quality clinical training we provide ensures our graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern healthcare. This ranking reflects our continued growth and dedication to excellence in nursing education.”
The Center for Simulation Innovation, which provides critical nursing simulation education to all of UA Little Rock’s nursing majors, has been internationally recognized for excellence in nursing education. The center received the 2023 Frontline Simulation Champion Excellence Award from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning.
Looking ahead, UA Little Rock is committed to maintaining the academic excellence of its programs. By investing in innovative technologies, practical experiences, and faculty development, the university equips its graduates to meet the evolving challenges in their respective fields. With strong partnerships and continued growth, UA Little Rock is poised to remain a leader in higher education and to contribute to the future workforce of Arkansas and beyond.
Learn more about academics at UA Little Rock by visiting https://ualr.edu/academics.
