UW–Madison graduate programs ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News

University of Wisconsin–Madison graduate programs are once again highly ranked among the nation’s best in the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools.”

Highlights include high marks in several specific rankings — with nearly 20 ranking in their respective Top 10 lists — shining a light on the breadth and depth of the university’s overall graduate offerings.

“We have top-ranked graduate programs across the breadth of our campus, reflecting our research excellence and the world-class education we offer,” says John Zumbrunnen, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Students come to our outstanding programs from across the nation and around the world, and they leave those programs prepared for success and leadership in a wide range of fields.”

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, for instance, ranked as a Tier 1 medical school for primary care, placing it among the top 16 in the nation.

“This is the first time our medical school has been recognized as Tier 1 for primary care, reflecting our commitment to addressing critical physician workforce shortages,” says Nita Ahuja, dean of the School of Medicine and Public Health and vice chancellor for medical affairs at UW–Madison. “Out of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, about half contain federally-designated primary care shortage areas. We must close that gap to meet our vision of healthy people and healthy communities.”

For a third year in a row, the School of Education ranked No. 1 in the nation. School of Education programs also ranked highly, including first in educational psychology, first in rehabilitation counseling, second in elementary teacher education, third in curriculum and instruction, and third in secondary teacher education.

“It’s exciting to see our academic excellence highlighted across education, health fields, and the arts,” says School of Education Dean Marcelle Haddix. “Although the U.S. News rankings are but one measure of our School, they reinforce our commitment to leading nationally on pressing issues. From our ongoing efforts to address Wisconsin’s teacher workforce challenges to impactful research, meaningful engagement on topics like literacy, AI and the future of education, and student mental health — we remain dedicated to shaping a better future for all.”

The School of Education’s high marks, like with all the programs on this list, is a testament to the hard work of faculty and staff and to the caliber of its graduate students.

“Highly ranked graduate programs shine a spotlight on the dedication and expertise of the university’s faculty and staff,” says William J. Karpus, Dean of UW–Madison’s Graduate School and Vice Provost for Postdoctoral Affairs. “Preparing students for success is a shared endeavor, and I’m immensely proud of the community that makes it possible.”

Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin notes that the success of the university’s graduate programs not only affects students at UW–Madison but leaves a high-water mark far beyond the borders of the university.

“This year’s rankings reinforce UW–Madison’s international reputation for offering strong, high-quality educational opportunities,” Mnookin says. “Even more impressive is the wide variety of highly ranked graduate programs represented in the rankings, from education to veterinary medicine, demonstrating that Badgers across disciplines are committed to advancing the public good.”

UW–Madison graduate programs ranked in 2026

U.S. News and World Report does not rank all programs each year. View the most recent UW–Madison graduate program rankings for each department.

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