UW College of Education earns top 2026 rankings, growing the good across Washington communities
Top-ranked education programs reflect statewide impact and commitment to equity
The University of Washington College of Education is once again ranked among the nation's top education schools, according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings.
The College is tied for No. 24 nationally among education schools granting doctoral degrees and No. 15 among public institutions. Six programs are ranked among the top 15 nationwide: No. 6 in Elementary Teacher Education; No. 7 in Secondary Teacher Education; tied for No. 11 in Educational Administration and Supervision; tied for No. 12 in Special Education and in Curriculum and Instruction; and tied for No. 14 in Education Policy.
These rankings place the College among a broad group of University of Washington graduate and professional programs recognized for excellence this year, underscoring the University’s impact in preparing leaders to serve communities and advance the public good.
“These rankings affirm the rigor and relevance of our programs,” said Dean Mia Tuan. “They reflect the extraordinary work of our faculty, students and partners — and where that work shows up: in classrooms, communities and systems across Washington. Our graduates are out there right now doing the work that transforms lives, and this recognition belongs to all who make that possible.”
They also reflect the strength of the College’s faculty, whose research, scholarship and teaching shape how educators are prepared and how education systems evolve. From advancing culturally sustaining teaching practices to rethinking early learning, school psychology and educational leadership, faculty work informs policy, strengthens practice and helps drive meaningful change in communities across Washington and beyond.
While rankings measure key indicators such as faculty resources, research activity and peer assessment, they capture only part of the story.
They cannot measure the kindergartner in Tulalip learning her first Lushootseed word in a classroom led by a teacher from her own community. They cannot measure the student in Pasco discovering his voice and purpose. They cannot measure the moment a neurodivergent child sees themselves reflected in a story for the first time.
At the UW College of Education, that work is everywhere.
From Seattle to Spokane: A statewide impact
The UW College of Education prepares educators, leaders and researchers whose work reaches communities across Washington — guided by faculty research and grounded in deep partnership with communities.
- Pasco / Tri-Cities — Alumnus Dr. Omar Escalera (Ed.D. ’21) now leads the Broetje Family Trust, advancing education and community development initiatives across the region.
- Spokane / Eastern Washington — Doctoral candidate polo hernández, the University’s 2025-26 Student Regent, brings together Indigenous knowledge and climate science through research and community partnership.
- Tulalip — In partnership with the Tulalip Tribes, the College launched a first-of-its-kind Native teacher preparation pathway centered in Lushootseed language, land-based learning and elder-guided pedagogy.
- Seattle — Mary-Elizabeth Merrill, a 2026 Husky 100 honoree and student in the College’s online Early Care & Education program, founded Einstein Advocates to support neurodivergent learners and families.
- Tacoma — Alumna Dr. Kawena Begay (M.Ed., Ph.D. ’16) is leading a school psychology program at UW Tacoma designed to decolonize evaluation practices and diversify the field.
- Walla Walla and South Whidbey — Alumni Dr. Ben Gauyan (Ed.D. ’09) and Dr. Becky Clifford (Ed.D. ’18) are leading school districts with a focus on instructional leadership, equity and community partnership.
These stories are rooted in the College’s faculty-led research, teaching and partnerships, which shape how students learn and how systems change.
More than a ranking
“Grow the good” begins with the ideas, research and teaching happening across the College — and comes to life through the work of faculty, students, alumni and partners in communities across the state.
The rankings affirm the strength of the College’s programs. The impact tells the deeper story.
About the rankings
The 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings are based on a combination of statistical indicators and peer assessment. Criteria include research activity, faculty resources, student selectivity and reputation. The rankings reflect data, with the heaviest emphasis on research productivity. Specialty program rankings, including teacher education, are based solely on evaluations by deans and faculty at peer institutions.
Learn more about the methodology used in these annual rankings and view the UW College of Education’s full U.S. News profile.
About the UW College of Education
The University of Washington College of Education prepares teachers, leaders, counselors and researchers to serve learners across Washington state and beyond. Grounded in a commitment to equity, belonging and evidence-based practice, the College is home to nationally recognized programs in teacher education, school psychology, early learning and educational leadership.
