April 7, 2026 — Graduate nursing programs at Millikin University have received statewide and national recognition in the latest rankings released by U.S. News & World Report.
Millikin’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program ranked No. 4 in Illinois and was the highest-ranked program outside the Chicago metropolitan area. The university’s Nurse Anesthesia program was ranked No. 2 in the state and No. 1 in Central Illinois.
University officials say the rankings reflect the strength of the programs’ academic rigor and clinical training. Teresa Gulley, director of Millikin’s School of Nursing, said the programs are designed to prepare students for advanced clinical roles through hands-on experience and evidence-based instruction.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program focuses on leadership development and system-level healthcare improvements, while the Nurse Anesthesia program emphasizes specialized clinical training to meet growing workforce demands.
Audra Trump, associate director for graduate nursing programs, said the recognition highlights both program quality and student outcomes, noting strong faculty mentorship and clinical partnerships.
U.S. News & World Report rankings are widely used as benchmarks for academic quality and are often referenced by prospective students and higher education leaders.
University officials say the recognition underscores Millikin’s role in preparing healthcare professionals and addressing workforce needs in advanced nursing practice.
