U.S. News & World Report Ranks College of Education and Health Professions Graduate Programs Among the Best

In its 2026 ranking, U.S. News & World Report named the U of A College of Education and Health Professions graduate education programs 46th best among public institutions and 57th overall.

In U.S. News' 2026 overall graduate school rankings, which factor in both private and public schools, the college's graduate education programs moved up four spots from 61 to 57. The college's ranking among public graduate education programs moved up three spots, from 49th to 46th. The college is tied with the University of Alabama, the University of Arizona, the University of Colorado-Boulder, the University of Hawaii-Manoa and the University of Kentucky.

Nearly 265 institutions were surveyed and profiled in this year's Best Education School rankings.

"Our continuing high ranking by U.S. News & World Report reflects the quality of our programs, the impact of our faculty and the hard work of our students," said Dean Kate Mamiseishvili. "We remain committed to providing transformative educational opportunities to our students and feel inspired to further elevate our college's national profile."

The college's rehabilitation counseling, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology graduate programs also earned high rankings.

The rehabilitation counseling program ranked 33rd, tied with several other institutions. Through a comprehensive and unique counseling process, the college trains rehabilitation counselors to help individuals with disabilities set and achieve their personal, career and independent living goals. They are the bridge between the person and self-sufficiency, helping them live on their own, which typically includes securing or returning to productive, meaningful work. 

"Rehabilitation counseling is often portrayed as one of the best-kept secrets within the larger discipline of counseling and social services," said Brent Thomas Williams, Spencer D. Albright III Endowed Professor in Rehabilitation and a faculty member in the college's counselor education and supervision program for more than 20 years. "Rehabilitation counseling professionals provide services to some of the most marginalized and disenfranchised members of our society. Honoring the inherent worth and dignity of people with disabilities and facilitating their inclusion benefits all of us. I am heartened that this ranking in some small way recognizes the importance of the contributions of our graduates. I am likewise enormously proud of the longstanding tradition of excellence of the rehabilitation counseling tract here at the University of Arkansas."

The occupational therapy program, a collaboration between the college and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), earned a place at No. 59, tying with several other universities. The first cohort from the joint U of A/UAMS program graduated in December 2022. The doctoral program combines the strengths of Arkansas' land-grant research university with the clinical expertise of the state's premier health sciences institution.

Kandy Salter, director of the occupational therapy program, said the partnership between the college and UAMS brings together exceptional resources and shared expertise. "Together, we have cultivated a program that is both responsive to the evolving healthcare landscape and deeply rooted in the core values of occupational therapy," she said. "Our faculty's excellence in scholarship, mentorship and commitment to student success makes this recognition especially meaningful, and these rankings proudly affirm our collective dedication to excellence in occupational therapy education."

The speech-language pathology program was ranked 92nd, in a tie with several other institutions. The master's program advances knowledge of speech, language, swallowing and hearing disorders through basic and applied research, graduate clinician training and community service. Faculty and students participate in scholarly research, provide clinical services in a state-of-the-art facility and support community outreach projects.

U.S. News' 2026 Best Education School rankings are based on various factors such as research activity, the academic excellence of entering students, faculty resources and perceptions of program quality from education school deans and educational employers. 

The college granted over 75 doctoral degrees to students in graduate education programs, which is one factor considered in the rankings.

"Our improved ranking demonstrates our dedication to finding ways to innovate and improve the already high-quality education that our graduate programs deliver," said Matthew Ganio, associate dean for academic and student affairs.

The college also achieved notable success in funded research, surpassing $25 million in external awards.

"We continue to experience a lot of success in research, growing both in quality and quantity on metrics such as publications, citations and funding," said Michael Hevel, associate dean for research, strategy and outreach. "This improved ranking reflects the hard work of our faculty to use their disciplinary expertise to address real-world challenges." 

To learn more about the college, visit the College of Education and Health Professions website.