UW College of Education earns top 2026 rankings, growing the good across Washington communities
Top-ranked teacher 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, with two programs placing in the top 10 nationwide: No. 6 in Elementary Teacher Education and No. 7 in Secondary Teacher Education.
Additionally, two College programs rank among the top 15 nationwide: tied for No. 12 in Special Education and 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. “But what matters most is where that work shows up — in classrooms, communities and systems across Washington state and beyond. Our graduates are out there right now, doing the work that transforms lives. This recognition belongs to them.”
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. From early learning to educational leadership, that impact is both local and far-reaching:
- 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.
Across these communities, the College’s mission comes to life: preparing educators and leaders who expand opportunity, strengthen systems and support the well-being of children, families and communities.
More than a ranking
At the UW College of Education, “grow the good” is more than a phrase — it reflects how alumni, students, faculty and partners show up every day: in classrooms and clinics, in tribal communities and school districts, in boardrooms and neighborhoods 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 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.
