Mississippi University for Women has once again been recognized as the top nursing school in the state
The Columbus-based program most recently earned the No. 1 spot in RegisteredNursing.org’s 10th annual rankings for 2026. The rankings evaluate programs using NCLEX-RN, or the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses,the standardized exam all nursing graduates must pass to become licensed pass rates and student outcomes.
MUW posted a 99.36% cumulative pass rate — the highest in Mississippi — and was also listed among the nation’s top programs, taking the No. 39 spot out of more than 760 schools reviewed.
“This distinction highlights the strength of Mississippi University for Women’s nursing school at a time when preparing skilled nurses is more important than ever for the health of our communities,” university officials said.
The honor is not new for MUW, which has received the recognition in previous years as well. More than 1,000 students are currently enrolled in the university’s nursing programs, which offer multiple pathways to a degree and consistently place graduates into the healthcare workforce.
The recognition adds to MUW’s long-standing reputation for producing nurses who stay in Mississippi, helping to meet the state’s growing need for healthcare professionals.
RegisteredNursing.org’s full list of Mississippi nursing school rankings is available here.
