Grad School Hub recognized Missouri State University’s online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) as third-best in the United States.

Missouri State stood out because of a previous ranking with U.S. News as number 106 among best universities in the Midwest. MSU’s low tuition also encouraged the ranking.

How the ranking is determined

Grad School Hub looked at accreditation, concentration areas and tuition. The criteria for this ranking includes:

• National and regional accreditation
• Favor to schools with two or more concentrations or specializations
• Favor to schools with low tuition

A point system determined the rankings. For each category, if a university matched a certain level of criteria, a corresponding number of points were awarded.

Grad School Hub also rewarded schools with rankings from reputable publications and DNP programs that are 100 percent online.