UWF ranks top 10 in U.S. News & World Report’s Top Public Schools – Regional South Rankings for five years

Sep. 22, 2026

For the fifth consecutive year, the University of West Florida ranked in the top 10 public institutions in the region by U.S. News and World report, which released its 2027 Best College Rankings today. UWF also placed No. 4 in a newly established category, Best Value Schools for In-State Students – Regional Universities South.

Badge with text: "Best Colleges U.S. News and World Report. Regional Universities. University of West Florida. 2027. 5+ years in a row." Bakground photo has four graduates laughing and running with each other across the Cannon Green.

“At UWF, we are committed to providing students with the education and opportunities they need to succeed in the workforce,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “These rankings reflect the strength of our academic programs, faculty and the success our students achieve. We are grateful to our Board of Trustees, the Florida Board of Governors and the Florida Legislature for their continued support.”

The University will receive a special badge commemorating a Top 10 ranking for five or more consecutive years, joining the ranks of institutions that have demonstrated sustained excellence in the U.S. News & World Report rankings. UWF also ranked in the top 10 in the Best Colleges for Veterans – Regional Universities South category, coming in at No. 7. This is the fifth consecutive year ranked in the top 10 in the category. UWF supports veterans, active-duty service members and their dependents through the Office of Military Services, providing world-class support to educate and train future military leaders of character through ROTC programs while assisting veterans and military families in their transition to civilian life and higher education. UWF is also consistently recognized as a Military Friendly® School, reflecting its ongoing commitment to the success of military and veteran students.

UWF also received badges in the categories of Best Value Schools – Regional Universities South; Social Mobility – Regional Universities South; Best Undergraduate Nursing; and Best Undergraduate Psychology.

U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings provide a data-driven comparison of more than 1,700 colleges and universities using up to 17 measures of academic quality and graduate success. This is the 42nd year for the rankings.

For more information about the University of West Florida, visit uwf.edu. For more information about U.S. News & World Report rankings, visit usnews.com.