PNJ Headlines: Here’s what’s in the news Friday
Pensacola thawing out from record snowfall, but still dealing with freezing temps and ice
The University of West Florida and Pensacola State College were ranked among the best in the nation in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report Best Online College rankings.
UWF and Pensacola State both ranked 39th among more than 350 institutions for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in the rankings released this week.
UWF also ranked 25th for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans – the university’s highest ranking to date in that category. The rank measures veteran or active-duty enrollment and an institution’s GI Bill certification.
The recent rankings mark an improvement from 2024 when UWF’s online bachelor’s programs was listed 45th overall for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and 30th for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans.
PSC’s online RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Program was also ranked second among the 28 Florida College System institutions and seventh among all public and private colleges and universities in Florida. The college’s online RN to BSN program climbed two spots from its 2024 position.
UWF President Martha Saunders said the rankings are testament to the university’s commitment to quality online programming for more than 25 years.
“As early adopters of distance learning, we have learned a lot about excellence in online course delivery,” she said.
Overall, U.S. News and World Report recognized UWF in several categories for Best Online Programs – Bachelor’s; MBA; Master’s Business (Non-MBA); Master’s Nursing; Master’s Information Technology; Master’s Criminal Justice and Master’s Education.
In addition to the Best Online Bachelor’s Program for Veterans, UWF also ranked for Best Online Programs for Veterans in the following categories – Master’s Nursing; MBA; Master’s Business (Non-MBA); Master’s Information Technology; and Master’s Education.
As of December, 447 students have earned Bachelor of Science Nursing degrees from Pensacola State.
“Since its inception in 2011, PSC’s online RN to BSN Program has been designed to accommodate working healthcare professionals, offering the flexibility needed to balance career and personal commitments,” said Ed Meadows, the college’s president.
PSC Director of Nursing Dr. Corey Lofton credited the program’s success to its rigorous, evidence-based curriculum and faculty.
“The program emphasizes hands-on learning opportunities, state-of-the-art resources, and strong partnerships with healthcare organizations, clinical affiliates and community partnerships to ensure students are well-prepared for real-world challenges,” Lofton added.
The rankings evaluate more than 1,600 distance education bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Only fully-online degree programs, from entry to completion of the academic year, are included in the rankings. In September 2024, U.S. News and World Report ranked UWF in the top 10 public institutions in the region.
For more information on U.S. News and World Report 2025 rankings, visit usnews.com/best-colleges.
