3 CHS Disciplines Highlighted in U.S. News Best Grad School Rankings

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

The U.S. News & World Report has released its 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings, highlighting several top-performing programs at the University of Kentucky — including three within the College of Health Sciences.

Among the programs recognized were Physical Therapy, ranked No. 16 nationally (and eighth among public univiersities); Physician Assistant Studies, ranked No. 35; and Speech-Language Pathology, ranked No. 40. The rankings are based solely on peer assessments from academic leaders across 12 health and public service disciplines.

The latest rankings reflect what CHS officials described as continued excellence in education, research and service across the college’s programs. A full summary of the university’s graduate school rankings is available through U.S. News.

“While we have historically been in the top 10 percent nationally, this jump even higher to the top 5 percent is a testament to the continued and progressive excellence provided by the UK Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in all facets — education, research, and professional service,” said Patrick Pabian, PhD and chair of the Department of Physical Therapy. “They validate the work of our exceptional faculty and staff, who work tirelessly to make this one of the best places for students to learn and for faculty to excel.”

Esther Dupont-Versteegden, PhD and Director of the Rehabilitation and Health Sciences Ph.D. program, said the rankings also underscore the strength of the CHS academic pipeline.

“Many of the faculty contributing to the success of these nationally recognized programs are alumni of our Rehabilitation and Health Sciences PhD program,” she said. “That speaks to the strength of our training and mentorship, and how we are developing scholars who go on to lead, teach and advance research right here at the University of Kentucky and beyond.”

Other leaders emphasized the broader significance of the recognition for the institution and the state.

“These rankings highlight the exceptional work happening across the College of Health Sciences,” said Scott Lephart, PhD and Dean of the College. “And I want to congratulate our Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant and Speech-Language Pathology programs for these achievements, while also taking the opportunity to recognize all of our programs. Together, our continued excellence reflects our mission to serve the Commonwealth through education, research and outreach that improves the health and well-being of our communities.”

The U.S. News rankings released last month focus on disciplines such as public health, nursing specialties, rehabilitation sciences and computer science, and are based entirely on reputational surveys of academic peers. Other science and clinical disciplines are evaluated separately and were not included in this particular release.

A summary of University of Kentucky’s Best Graduate Schools rankings, with links to each program’s profile, can be seen at https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/university-of-kentucky-157085/overall-rankings.