Accreditations & Affiliations

Widely recognized for its excellent programs, the University of West Florida holds many accreditations, affiliations and rankings.

Accreditations & Affiliations

The University of West Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of West Florida also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of The University of West Florida may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling 404.679.4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

The Bachelor of Science in Clinical Lab Sciences – MLT to MLS program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences and is licensed by the Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel.

The baccalaureate degree in nursing/master’s degree in nursing at UWF is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits University of West Florida. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement

The University of West Florida is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Social work programs at UWF are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Rankings

U.S. News & World Report (2025)

No. 9 in Best Colleges for Veterans — Regional Universities South
No. 10 in the Top Public Schools — Regional Universities South
No. 23 in the Best Regional Universities South
No. 25 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans
No. 37 in the Top Performers on Social Mobility
No. 39 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
No. 48 in Best Value Schools

No. 5 in the Top Ten Military Friendly* School — Large Public Category (2024-2025) and the only Florida State University System institution to earn recognition from Military Friendly* in the large public Top Ten category

No. 8 Best for Vets College by Military Times (2025)

Best Online College in Florida by Forbes (2024)

Named a Best for Vets College by Military Times (2024)

Designated a Military Friendly* Spouse School in the large public-school category (2024-2025)

Named a “College of Distinction” by Colleges of Distinction (2024-2025)

Designated a Military Friendly* School with Gold distinction for 6 consecutive years by VIQTORY, a military marketing company (2023-2024)

Received the “Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award” from INSIGHT Into Diversity* magazine (2023)

School of Education

U.S. News & World Report (2025)
- No. 20 in Best Online Master’s in Education Programs for Veterans
- No. 63 in Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
No. 5 for Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs by TheBestSchools.org (2022)
No. 6 for Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs by Intelligent.com (2022)
No. 13 for Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs by BestColleges.com (2022)

Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering

U.S. News & World Report (2025)
- No. 13 in Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs for Veterans
- No. 29 in Best Online Master’s Information Technology Programs for Veterans
No. 2 in Best Online IT Degree Programs by EDsmart (2022)
No. 22 in Best Bachelor Degrees in Cyber Security by Best Accredited Colleges (2022)

Usha Kundu, MD College of Health

U.S. News & World Report (2025)
- No. 19 in the Master’s Nursing Veterans category (the only university in the Florida State University System to rank)
- No. 65 in Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs
No. 4 in the Best Online Bachelor’s in Health Science Programs by BestColleges.com (2022)
Ranked Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs by the Princeton Review (2022)