New Mexico Highlands University’s Rehabilitation Counseling graduate studies program landed in a tie for 60th in the country on the recent U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 list of best graduate programs, while the university as a whole was ranked 52nd among public schools in the West.
Highlands’ ranking for the program is the highest for any university in the state other than several at the University of New Mexico.
“This recognition is a meaningful milestone for New Mexico Highlands University,” Dr. Paul Grindstaff, Vice President for Advancement and University Relations, said. “To have our rehabilitation counseling program ranked among the top 60 in the nation, while Highlands is also ranked just outside the top 50 public schools in the West, reflects the quality of our faculty, the dedication of our students, and the impact our programs have across New Mexico and beyond.”
It shows the university is on track in its ongoing objectives of providing the best possible education not only for the state’s students, but those from across the world, as well.
“We’re proud to see Highlands continue to gain national visibility while staying true to our mission of serving our communities,” he said.
Seeing Rehabilitation Counseling continue to gather praise shows where the program is headed, Dr. Daniel Brown, Highlands Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, said.
“Last year, our Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program was recognized as the No. 1 Master’s program in New Mexico by counselingpsychology.org,” he pointed out. “This most recent ranking for the Highlands Rehabilitation Counseling program tells me that word is spreading rapidly about the quality of our program and its faculty.”
The magazine’s ranking is a reflection of the program’s success from top to bottom, he said.
“Rankings are based on a number of factors, but some of the more important ones are graduation rates, student-faculty ratios, and career outcomes,” Dr. Brown said. “This ranking for Rehabilitation Counseling reflects the success of our students and the investment our faculty have in promoting a learning experience geared for career success.”
The program requires 60 credit hours and allows graduates to pursue official recognition as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and/or independent licensure as a clinical mental health counselor.
The goal is encourage a passion among the students to work with individuals who experience different disabilities to achieve success in their lives and help individuals who possess physical and mental health disabilities to live independently and secure employment.
And the program’s success should continue to build upon itself, Dr. Brown added.
“Rankings provide a guide for potential students and families to use as they consider applying to colleges and universities,” he said. “They provide a snapshot of university and program reputation, which is a very influential factor in the decision-making process for many. At the graduate level, rankings are especially important in recruiting and admitting new students, many of whom are adult learners currently working in a career. They are looking for the best opportunity to meet their needs, and understand that program quality is especially important.”