Mississippi University for Women is celebrating No. 1 rankings in the state for both its nursing and speech-language pathology programs.
Niche recently recognized the university — also known as “The W”— in its 2026 Best Colleges for Nursing in Mississippi rankings. The site placed The W among the top 10 public universities and colleges and No. 29 in its 2026 Best Colleges for Nursing in America.
“I am thrilled to know the students, faculty, staff, and leadership of our college have been recognized for our impact on the state, the nation, and our nursing profession. This recognition is a testament to our commitment,” Dr. Brandy Larmon, Dean of the Vandergriff College of Nursing and Health Sciences, said.
According to Niche, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences was recognized among the top 4% nursing schools nationwide. The W’s high graduation rates, student satisfaction, and employment outcomes were key factors in its national ranking.
Earlier this year, the Columbus-based university’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology was recognized by SpeechPathology.org as the top program in Mississippi. Mississippi University for Women’s academic excellence, student outcomes, and contributions to the state’s speech-language pathology field played a role in the accolade.
“It is an honor to be recognized as the best SLP degree program in Mississippi,” Dr. Catherine Cotton, interim chair of the SLP department at The W, said. “This honor not only reflects the hard work of the faculty, staff, and students of The W, but also a continuation of the legacy established by previous faculty, staff, and students who worked hard to establish and maintain high standards in the classroom and during their clinical experiences.”
The celebration on Monday took place inside Martin Hall and marked a moment of pride for The W, which continues to earn statewide and national recognition for its healthcare education programs. In September, the university was also named the No. 1 nursing school in Mississippi by RegisteredNursing.org — further reinforcing its reputation for excellence.
University leaders said the recognition honors the continued dedication of The W’s students, faculty, and alumni who have helped the institution become a leader in healthcare education.
