K-State Graduate School gives students top-notch experience in nationally ranked programs

For more than 150 years, Kansas State University's Graduate School has been preparing master's and doctoral students to be next-generation leaders through innovative programs, exceptional academic instruction, cutting-edge research, and hands-on leadership and development opportunities.

Its tradition of excellence continues with new national rankings recognizing the prestige of K-State graduate programs.

The university's graduate programs in education and engineering have been recognized in the top 100 nationally, according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings.

K-State graduate programs among best in the nation

Each spring, U.S. News & World Report ranks professional schools and programs in business, education, law, engineering, medicine and nursing. The College of Education's graduate programs ranked No. 69 nationally, and the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering's graduate programs ranked No. 99 nationally.

For 2026, new peer-survey-based rankings were introduced for graduate programs in several disciplines. K-State’s rankings in these areas, with several also in the top 100, include:

• Veterinary medicine, No. 16
• Physics, No. 86
• Speech-language pathology, No. 92
• Chemistry, No. 92
• Math programs, No. 93
• Computer science, No. 106
• Public affairs, No. 120
• Public health, No. 122
• Biological sciences, No. 131

The master's in fine arts rankings also were updated for the first time in six years, with K-State's program ranking No. 122.

"These rankings highlight K-State's and the Graduate School's focus on creating and delivering curricula within a world-renowned graduate culture and enterprise aligned with the needs of our stakeholders and industry," said Phillip Payne, interim dean of the Graduate School.

Helping students prepare and succeed

The university offers more than 165 graduate programs, with more than 4,000 students pursuing advanced degrees. K-State's Graduate School aims to create a graduate education culture that fosters the development of innovative graduate programs and promotes the high-quality academic and professional preparedness of a highly skilled workforce.

"Solving today's most complex problems with innovation and creativity remain hallmarks of our stellar graduate programs," Payne said. "We sustain this culture through endless support of our graduate faculty, administration and alumni."

For Lucas Caldas, a master's student in the college student development program, Manhattan, the Graduate School has helped provide structure, resources and support that make it easier to succeed.

"Whether it's professional development opportunities, clear expectations or access to people who are willing to help, it's created an environment where I can focus on growing," Caldas said. "The Graduate School also helped me become more confident in my abilities as a student and future professional. I've learned how to manage my time better, think more critically and approach my work with more purpose."

Fostering collaboration, community and professional growth

Ashleigh Mauler, a student in the nuclear engineering master's program, Wichita, appreciates the collaborative and community-oriented experience within the college's graduate programs.

"The faculty are amazing leaders who have built a supportive community where every student feels encouraged to excel," she said. "The collaboration amongst graduate students is something that allows us to be able to bounce ideas off one another and work together, helping us to excel within our own personal research."

The master’s program in college student development has also helped student Andrew Bergmeier, Manhattan, grow professionally.

"The program has really pushed me to build on the professional experiences I've had while working full time in the College of Education," Bergmeier said. "What I've appreciated most is how much the program emphasizes reflection. It challenges me to step back, think critically about the work we do with students and better understand the impact those everyday interactions can have on someone's college journey."

Graduate student success at K-State is also predicated on the partnerships built within the local, state, regional, national and international communities, Payne said.

"By being great stewards of graduate education, we can most effectively support our graduate students, faculty and staff to ensure success at all levels," he said. "K-State will always remain connected, learner-focused and people-centered, impacting all with whom we interact."