FDU Nursing Programs Earn Prestigious ACEN Accreditation and Top 50 National Ranking

May 7, 2025 – Fairleigh Dickinson University is proud to announce that its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs have earned full accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This recognition marks a significant milestone in the university’s ongoing commitment to excellence in nursing education and student outcomes. To this point, the nursing programs at FDU have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

ACEN accreditation is a rigorous and highly respected validation of nursing programs that meet national standards of quality and effectiveness. Unlike CCNE, ACEN accredits diploma and associate degree programs, as well as LPN programs, which opens the door for FDU to extend its healthcare education offerings to meet the needs and demands of our prospective student and community stakeholders.  ACEN accreditation – recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and also by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation – has a very strong emphasis on comprehensive curricular design, which underscores the university’s dedication to delivering highly relevant, outcome-focused healthcare programs, with expertly leveled course learning outcomes.

“We are thrilled to announce that—after a rigorous review process—FDU’s nursing programs have all been fully accredited by ACEN,” said Annie Rohan, Dean & Professor, FDU’s School of Nursing & Allied Health.

“ACEN accreditation confirms that our nursing programs meet rigorous national standards and reflects our deep commitment to student success, curricular relevance, instructional excellence, and continuous quality improvement. Following the pandemic, our faculty committed to reshaping curricula to meet more rigorous internal and external standards—work that not only earned us accreditation but also contributed to our 2025 Top 50 national ranking by U.S. News & World Report,” Rohan concluded.

This dual achievement reflects the exceptional quality of FDU’s nursing faculty and support staff, and the university’s strategic efforts to prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders. With a sharpened focus on student-centeredness and evidence-based learning, FDU’s nursing programs continue to engage students from across a wide range of cultures and experiences into the profession and prepare them to serve their communities with distinction.