U.S. News & World Report Ranks Millikin Among 2025 Best Graduate Schools

Millikin’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program was recognized in the yearly rankings.

DECATUR, Ill. – Millikin University has been ranked on the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Graduate Schools national list, released on April 8, for its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

Millikin’s DNP program was named the best program in Illinois outside of the Chicago metropolitan area.

Millikin Doctor of Nursing Practice student Sheila Shamloo practices her skills at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

“Millikin’s School of Nursing offers outstanding graduate programs with a distinguished history of excellence. Students looking to earn their doctorate have numerous opportunities in our DNP programs, including the DNP in Nurse Anesthesia and the DNP in Family Practice, as well as two DNP completion programs,” said Millikin Dean of Professional Studies Dr. Andrew Smith. “This recognition highlights the hard work of our faculty, the strength of our curriculum, and the passion our students bring to improving patient outcomes across communities. We’re proud to be shaping the future of advanced nursing practice.”

Millikin University’s DNP program was ranked No. 135 nationally among DNP Nursing programs. Millikin placed No. 4 in Illinois, No. 3 among private institutions in Illinois, and No. 1 outside Chicago.

The annual U.S. News & World Report rankings are designed for prospective students looking to further their education beyond college and highlight the nation’s top graduate programs.

“We are honored to be recognized among the nation’s top Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. This ranking reflects our unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and preparing nurse leaders who are equipped to meet the evolving needs of healthcare,” said Dr. Teresa Gulley, Director of the School of Nursing. “Our programs prepare our graduate nursing students with a variety of hands-on, high-quality experiences, providing the best of Performance Learning.”

Millikin’s advanced Campbell Family Nursing Simulation Center is a valuable resource for Family Nurse Practitioner students, providing hands-on experience in patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment procedures, and communication skills across diverse populations. The simulation rooms are designed to mimic real healthcare settings, encompassing a variety of environments and the full lifespan continuum. Students can use high-fidelity simulators to enhance their skills through scenarios that reflect diverse patient needs and life stages. This comprehensive training equips Family Nurse Practitioner students to excel in their critical roles as Advanced Practice Providers in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.

About Millikin University

Millikin University is a private university that provides undergraduate and graduate education to a diverse student body of approximately 1,700 students on a 75-acre residential campus in Decatur, Ill. Millikin’s unique approach to education, known as Performance Learning, allows students to perform the work of their future careers through hands-on, real-world experiences starting on day one. Through these experiences, students gain access to a professional network they will carry throughout their careers. This commitment to innovation and excellence propels students to career success, with 99% of Millikin graduates gaining employment or entering graduate school within six months of graduation. Millikin offers over 50 academic programs in its College of Fine Arts, College of Arts & Sciences, College of Professional Studies and Tabor School of Business.