U.S. News & World Report today released its 2023-2024 Best Graduate Schools rankings for numerous programs and The University of New Mexico is well-represented across a number of areas.

Designed for prospective students looking to further their education beyond college, the Best Graduate Schools rankings evaluate programs in a variety of disciplines, including business, education, engineering, law, medicine and nursing.

By collecting graduate school data annually, U.S. News is able to present the most current figures on enrollment, job placement, faculty and other critical quality indicators that help prospective students make informed decisions.

The Best Graduate Schools rankings include in-depth evaluations of four academic disciplines, using a variety of statistical data as well as surveys of academic peers. Areas released in the current rankings include Business (full-time), Business (part-time), Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Science, Education, Engineering, Healthcare Management, Math, Nursing (Doctor of Practice), Nursing (Master’s), Physician’s Assistant, Physics, Public Affairs, Public Health, Rehabilitation Counseling and Veterinary Medicine.

The following University of New Mexico programs earned high rankings in those fields:

  • No. 54 in Earth Science (tie)
  • No. 73 in Physics (tie)
  • No. 76 in Public Health (tie)
  • No. 85 in Public Affairs (tie)
  • No. 85 in Physician Assistant (tie)
  • No. 91 in Mathematics (tie)
  • No. 91 in Chemistry (tie)
  • No. 66 in Best Nursing Schools, Master’s (tie)
  • No. 86 in Best Nursing Schools, Doctor of Nursing Practice (tie)
     
  • No. 90 in Best Engineering Schools (tie)
    - No. 13 in Nuclear Engineering
    - No. 72 in Chemical Engineering (tie)
    - No. 76 in Electrical Engineering (tie)
    - No. 77 in Environmental Engineering (tie)
    - No. 90 in Civil Engineering (tie)
    - No. 79 in Computer Engineering (tie)
    - No. 91 in Computer Science (tie)     
    - No. 109 in Biomedical Engineering (tie)
    - No. 111 in Mechanical Engineering (tie)

The UNM School of Public Administration earned its highest ranking in program history with this year's marks and is excited about the ranking and its future.

“To see that we are now ranked 85th in the field of public affairs, the highest ranking in the School's history, is truly exciting and humbling,” said Patria de Lancer Julnes. “This ranking reflects The School of Public Administration's ambitious plans for the future, including the addition of new programs such as an Undergraduate Minor in Public Service in partnership with the Volcker Alliance's NextGen Service Corps initiative and the recent support from the New Mexico Legislature to help us serve as a resource for public service for the State of New Mexico. This ranking also reflects the work of our faculty and the support shown by alumni, students, the community and especially by UNM’s leadership!"

These rankings focus only on graduate programs, as opposed to other rankings released from U.S. News and World Report that focus on undergraduate and online programs. The publication releases rankings every year but focuses on different programs with each release. 

The Best Graduate Schools rankings are based on two types of data: expert opinions about program excellence, and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school's faculty, research and students.

The updated 2023-2024 Best Medical Schools and 2023-2024 Best Law Schools rankings will be released at a later date.

To review the various methodologies for each category visit the appropriate categories listed here: Business (Full-Time), Business (Part-Time), Education, Engineering, Health (public health, veterinary, rehabilitation counseling, health care management, physician assistant), Nursing, Public Affairs and Science (chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, mathematics, physics).

If you are aware of a UNM program listed in 2024 Best Graduate Schools and do not see it here, email the information to Steve Carr.