Skip to main content

2026 U.S. News Report Lists 10 UNO Grad Programs Among Best in the Nation

Three programs were listed in the top 100 for the second year in a row.

  • published: 2026/04/15
  • contact: Marlo Larsen - Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
A graduate in black academic regalia smiles on stage as two faculty members place a doctoral hood over his shoulders during a commencement ceremony, with a large red-and-black “O” logo projected in the background.

Graduates received their degrees from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) during the Fall Semester Commencement Ceremony at Baxter Arena on Friday, December 19, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska. Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

The University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO) once again has several that stand out as top programs in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Graduate School Rankings.

➡ What’s new: 10 programs across five colleges appear in this year’s rankings, including eight programs in the top 100.

📊 The rankings:

  • #6 Public Finance & Budgeting (College of Public Affairs and Community Service)
  • #12 Local Government Management (College of Public Affairs and Community Service)
  • #13 Criminology (College of Public Affairs and Community Service)
  • #26 Non-Profit Management (College of Public Affairs and Community Service)
  • #36 Public Affairs (College of Public Affairs and Community Service)
  • #67 Part-Time MBA (College of Business Administration)
  • #92 Speech-Language Pathology (College of Education, Health, and Human Services)
  • #95 Social Work (College of Public Affairs and Community Service)
  • #151 Computer Science (College of Information Science & Technology)
  • #165 Psychology (College of Arts and Sciences)

UNO’s Social Work, Speech-Language Pathology and Criminology programs made the top 100 list for the second year in a row.

💡 Why it matters: Among hundreds of public universities in the United States, UNO is consistently standing out with successful, robust educational and research programs for all higher education students.

Earlier this year, US News & World Report also ranked two of UNO’s online programs in the top 10:

  • #3 Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs for Veterans
  • #5 Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs

🔍 Zoom in: UNO offers more than 90 graduate programs at the master’s, educational specialist, doctoral and graduate certificate levels to further a student’s educational and professional goals.

🎤 What they’re saying:

  • Phil He, Ph.D., Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs: “UNO’s core promise is to assume responsibility for the workforce and economic development across Nebraska and the nation and having nationally recognized programs year after year show we’re keeping that promise. Thanks to dedicated faculty and staff, today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders through exceptional education, research and experiences, preparing them for a future that both fulfills them and keeps our communities moving forward.”
  • Juan Casas, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Graduate Studies: “We are proud to once again have so many top-rated programs across our campus; however, our work is not done. These national recognitions only raise the bar for our institution, and we look forward to continuing to grow our outstanding graduate education and contributing to the betterment of our communities one student at a time.”

🌍 The big picture: UNO’s repeated national recognition reinforces the university’s dedication to its strategic pillars of Educating All Learners and Workforce and Economic Development.

⚡ What’s next: Visit the Office of Graduate Studies website to request information, apply to enroll in a program, or schedule a campus visit.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

Follow UNO on Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.