~ Two Florida public universities rank in the top 10 nationwide ~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida’s public universities continue to lead in national academic excellence, reflected by the U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Rankings, released this week. The University of Florida ranks #1 nationally for both online bachelor’s programs and online bachelor’s programs for veterans. The University of Central Florida ranks #6—the highest in the university’s history—marking two Florida public universities in the Top 10. Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Florida State University, the University of North Florida, the University of South Florida, and the University of West Florida also rank in the Top 50 across several categories.
“Our public universities are at the forefront of boosting student success nationwide by providing exceptional educational opportunities both in the classroom and online,” said Florida Board of Governors Chair Alan Levine. “The universities’ leading rankings showcase the pivotal momentum that Florida brings to higher education, and the power of investment in technological resources that expand access to our high–quality programs.”
“The U.S. News and World Report rankings highlight Florida’s commitment to strengthening student success by offering rigorous, accessible online programs that meet learners where they are—including students reaching their higher education goals while working, raising families, or managing other responsibilities that make virtual learning the best fit for their needs,” said System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “Through the dedication of our faculty, the innovation of our institutions, and the strong leadership across the System, we are delivering meaningful impact for Florida’s students.”
Eight System universities ranked in the top 50 for several additional categories this year:
Florida Atlantic University
- #36 – Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
- #47 – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans
Florida International University
- #12 – Best Online Master’s in Business Programs (Excluding MBA)
- #18 – Best Online Master’s in Information Technology Programs
- #21 – Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs
- #26 – Best Online MBA Programs
- #29 – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- #20 – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans
- #24 – Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs
- #12 – Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs
- #45 – Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
- #50 – Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs
Florida State University
- #8 – Best Online Master’s in Information Technology Programs
- #5 – Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs for Veterans
- #12 – Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs
- #18 – Best Online Master’s in Business Programs (Excluding MBA)
- #21 – Best Online MBA Programs
- #16 – Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans
- #38 – Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs
- #22 – Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs for Veterans
- #50 – Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
- #26 – Best Online Master’s in Education Programs for Veterans
- #12 – Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
- #3 – Best Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Programs
- #7 – Best Online Master’s in Educational/Instructional Media Design Programs
- #7 – Best Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
University of Central Florida
- #6 – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- #6 – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans
- #6 – Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs
- #3 – Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs
- #17 – Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs
- #10 – Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs for Veterans
- #17 – Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs
- #36 – Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
- #20 – Best Online Master’s in Education Programs for Veterans
- #16 – Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
- #5 – Best Online Master’s in Educational/Instructional Media Design Programs
- #50 – Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs
- #33 – Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs for Veterans
University of Florida
- #1 – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- #1 – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans
- #1 – Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs
- #3 – Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs
- #2 – Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
- #2 – Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
- #1 – Best Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Programs
- #6 – Best Online Master’s in Educational/Instructional Media Design Programs
- #2 – Best Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
- #5 – Best Online MBA Programs
- #3 – Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans
- #6 – Best Online Business Analytics MBA Programs
- #6 – Best Online Finance MBA Programs
- #3 – Best Online General Management MBA Programs
- #5 – Best Online MBA Programs in Marketing
- #15 – Best Online Master’s in Business Programs (Excluding MBA)
- #15 – Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs
- #13 – Best Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering Programs
University of North Florida
- #29 – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
University of South Florida
- #14 – Best Online MBA Programs
- #32 – Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans
- #24 – Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs
- #36 – Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
- #37 – Best Online Master’s in Business Programs (Excluding MBA)
University of West Florida
- #19 – Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs
- #32 – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans
- #20 – Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs for Veterans
- #28 – Best Online Master’s in Education Programs for Veterans
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About the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors
The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors and a Board-appointed Chancellor who serves as the System’s chief executive. The System comprises 12 universities and more than 431,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Florida has ranked number one in higher education by U.S. News & World Report since the inception of the rankings in 2017, recognized for providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable education. For more information, visit flbog.edu or follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.