UNF ranked among nation’s ‘Best Online Programs’ in 2026 by U.S. News and World Report
The University of North Florida has been recognized among the nation’s top institutions for online education in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Online Programs rankings, earning top national placement for the sixth consecutive year for its online bachelor’s programs and additional recognition for its online master’s in education and online master’s in nursing programs.
“We are proud to see UNF recognized once again among the nation’s best online programs,” said UNF President Moez Limayem. “This achievement reflects the University’s commitment to student success and our dedication to providing high-quality, flexible learning experiences that meet students where they are and support them every step of the way.”
UNF’s online undergraduate and graduate programs are distinguished by a student-centered approach that combines academic excellence with comprehensive support services. Students benefit from adaptable program structures, experiential learning opportunities, personalized attention from expert faculty and dedicated student success coaches who are available to every online learner.
For the 2026 rankings, U.S. News & World Report evaluated online bachelor’s degree programs using four weighted categories that measure both academic quality and the student experience:
- Engagement: Assesses how effectively online programs foster meaningful interaction between students and instructors. This category considered factors such as instructor responsiveness, class size, student retention, graduation rates and the use of learning assessments to support student success.
- Services and Technologies: Measures included average student debt at graduation, access to academic advising, tutoring, career services and technical support, as well as the availability of modern learning technologies such as recorded lectures, mobile applications and adaptive learning platforms.
- Faculty Credentials and Training: Examined the qualifications and preparation of instructors teaching online courses. This category assessed faculty training in online instruction, the percentage of instructors holding advanced or terminal degrees and the presence of tenured or tenure-track faculty.
- Peer Assessment: Senior academic leaders and administrators rated programs on a five-point scale, providing insight into program quality that extends beyond quantitative data.
Find out more about UNF’s Online Programs, visit the U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Online Programs list and learn more about the methodology.