The University of Texas at Tyler’s online nursing program has been named the best in the state and fifth best in the nation.

Rankings released by U.S. News and World Report put UT Tyler at number one in Texas out of 13 schools and tied for fifth out of 159 nationally ranked programs.

“The ranking validates the excellent work of the faculty and staff at our College of Nursing of Health Sciences, as well as the professional impact of our students,” said Dr. Michael Tidwell, UT Tyler president. “Whether engaging our students face-to-face or online, our goal is to bring UT Tyler quality to all our programs.”

UT Tyler also was named the lowest cost program (per credit) among the top 10 online nursing graduate programs.

“The beauty of online programs is that students can access the best programs from nearly anywhere,” said Dr. Yong Tai Wang, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at UT Tyler. “So if you want to study nursing at a top-ten master’s program, you are not going to find anything even close to being as affordable to UT Tyler – even if you are paying out-of-state tuition rates.”

The magazine’s ranking methodology considers quality of student engagement, faculty credentials and training, student services and technology, peer reputation and admissions selectivity.

“The fifth-place national ranking is a reflection of our exceptional faculty and staff who provide a stellar education within a caring, learner-center environment,” said Dr. Barbara Haas, executive director and professor for the School of Nursing at UT Tyler. “Our alumni carry that philosophy of caring forward as they serve communities to improve health not only here in East Texas but also around the globe.”

UT Tyler tied with John Hopkins University, George Washington University and University of South Carolina for fifth place.