U.S. News & World Report ranks UF Online No. 1 in the Country: Our Rise to the Top

U.S. News & World Report ranks UF Online No. 1 in the Country: Our Rise to the Top

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida has officially risen to the top of the nation for its exemplary online undergraduate programs. Announced today, the U.S. News & World Report 2022 awarded the University of Florida the #1 ranking for UF Online, now the best online bachelor’s program in the United States. The news comes at the heels of UF being named the nation’s No. 5 public university.

“This incredible recognition is the culmination of years of hard work by twelve UF colleges, their faculty and expert staff, and teams across the entire University. The University of Florida’s chosen model for UF Online is one of a campus wide commitment, and that has made this distinction possible. I couldn’t be more proud of this community,” said Dr. Evangeline Tsibris Cummings, Assistant Provost and Director of UF Online.

In addition to UF Online’s top overall rank, it was also nationally ranked the No. 2 bachelor’s program for veterans pursuing higher education. As a designated Yellow Ribbon School, UF provides distinct military service member support services via the UF Collegiate Veterans Success Center, Office of Student Veteran Success, and the Collegiate Veterans Society. UF Online is proud to offer robust financial and academic support to military veterans and our nation’s active-duty, reserve, and national guard service members.

Launching UF Online Through the National Rankings

Established in 2014, UF Online now offers 33 pathways to 25 UF bachelor’s degrees via versatile online and hybrid formats, all fully embedded in the University’s campus community while simultaneously providing students with exclusive access to an online community hub, the UF Plaza, and mobile app, to drive connection. Students also earn the very same degrees awarded to their campus peers with all courses, studios, and labs, taught by the same UF faculty that teach on UF’s main Gainesville campus.

Students deserve flexibility without having to compromise on quality and value. Students enrolled via UF Online are Gators from day one, enjoying all that UF has to offer plus academics in agile, online, and hybrid formats. Today’s #1 ranking for UF Online demonstrates that our fully integrated and seamless model works and it works well.Dr. Evangeline Tsibris Cummings
Assistant Provost and Director of UF Online

Key metrics that launched UF Online to the top:

Student Retention Rate

88% of new UF Online students re-enrolled or graduated within the next 12 months, a notable accomplishment across all online programs nationwide.


Online Course Availability

Over 680 unique courses taught by 610 different primary instructors were designed and offered to students via UF Online.


Faculty credentials

59% of UF Online faculty have a terminal degree and 44% are full-time faculty with tenure.


Class size

On average, UF Online class size remains at 28, as we continue our commitment to engagement among students and with faculty in each course, studio, and lab online.


Affordability and Low Debt for graduates

With the lowest in-state tuition among the top ten programs and 40% lower tuition/fees for out-of-state students versus campus rates, sustained state investments and UF Online’s commitment to keeping college affordable resulted in continued decreases in average student debt and in the number of students borrowing to pay for college.


Student Services

UF Online students are each assigned a personal, dedicated academic advisor, and also enjoy 24/7 tech support, full UF library access and services, writing workshops, resume support, career placement assistance, tutoring, and so much more.


UF Online Business and Psychology Bachelor’s Programs Ranked Among the Best

UF Online’s Business and Psychology bachelor’s programs were both ranked No. 2 in the nation by U.S. News. UF Warrington College of Business allows students to earn their popular bachelor’s degree in business from anywhere in the world via UF Online, making the prestigious program accessible and obtainable to more students. Meanwhile, The UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers its distinguished bachelor’s degree in psychology to UF Online students who want a competitive edge when they enter the field of psychology.

The Gator Nation is Everywhere

UF online currently supports over 4,000 students that learn and engage from 48 states, Washington D.C., and 16 countries around the world.

UF Online students take courses specifically designed to optimize the online learning environment. With the help of knowledgeable faculty and expert instructional designers, students are offered extensive and active engagement with their courses, peers, and professors. They also benefit from a personal, assigned academic advisor, who provides individual support and attention throughout their entire UF academic journey.

Many students are able to take advantage of UF Online’s unique course structure, which allows them to obtain their degree while leading busy lives and juggling other obligations. This added flexibility proves convenient for non-traditional students, with 28 being the average age among UF Online’s student population. According to a recent student survey, 64% of UF Online students are employed and 40% work full-time while earning their degree. Meanwhile, 38% of students are caregivers to dependents or other family members during the course of their studies.

It wasn’t practical for me as a mother with a family and a full-time job to attend classes in person. That’s why when online education started growing, finishing my bachelor’s degree became a real option. I couldn’t think of a better place to finish my degree than the University of Florida.Marissa Vetter
UF Online Sociology Major

With an unwavering commitment to accessible high-quality education for students, the authentic UF campus wide commitment model, and incredible students that hail from around the globe, the UF Online learning community is setting a new standard for what a modern university can accomplish.

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Learn how to apply by the summer application deadline of January 31st and fall application deadline of May 2nd, 2022.

Visit the UF Online webpage for more information. Read about UF’s online graduate program rankings and more in the University of Florida News post. Review the rankings for the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs on the U.S. News site. Read more details about UF Online in its U.S. News profile.