The UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies ranked No. 22 among the nation’s best online nursing programs by U.S. News & World Report.
According to Joy Roberts, dean of the UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies, the ranking is a testament to the people that make up the master of science in nursing (MSN) program.
“We attribute this success to our expert graduate faculty, who promote evidence-based practice and are dedicated to student success,” Roberts said, “as well as to our students, who come to the program with enthusiasm, nursing experience and a love of learning.
Up 11 spots from last year’s ranking of No. 33, this marks the 14th year in a row the program ranked in the top 50 of the schools on the list. It is the top ranked program in Missouri and Kansas of the schools on the list. In addition, the 2025 graduates of the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX exam to become a certified registered nurse. It marks the second year in a row for the achievement.
UMKC’s many online offerings enable working registered nurses to continue providing care in their communities, while preparing them for the evolving and dynamic challenges of healthcare.
“The U.S. continues to experience a nursing shortage nationwide,” Roberts said, “and graduates of our MSN programs take positions as nursing faculty, educating new registered nurses or as nurse practitioners, caring for the people of Missouri, Kansas and throughout the country.”
Nurses with graduate degrees are in demand. Indeed, the No. 1 career of U.S. News & World Report’s 100 Best Jobs in 2026 – based on factors including salary, longevity and work/life balance – is a nurse practitioner, which requires a master’s degree.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects significant demand for nurses who have graduate degrees, driven by an aging population and a need for advanced care. The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse workforce — including nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists —is expected to grow 35% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, by 134,000 new jobs.
In 2025, nurses with graduate degrees in the U.S. command high salaries, with median annual earnings for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who have master’s or doctoral degrees. Average pay for key roles include Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists at $212,650 and Nurse Practitioners at $130,000.
Students in these programs participate in online discussions just as if they were present in the classroom. Technology offers two-way communication in real time via multiple modes. Students also receive on-site learning through summer institutes, where they attend clinical training or dissertation work sessions as well as deliver presentations to classmates and faculty.
UMKC offers a variety of online graduate nursing tracks, including Master of Science in Nursing and other options:
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
Nurse Educator (NE)
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Primary Care and Acute-Care (ACPNP)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Ph.D.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)