The University of West Florida has received its highest-ever public acknowledgment in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 rankings.
The vaunted publication placed UWF at sixth among public regional universities in the South. It’s the fourth year in a row that UWF made the Top 10, but it’s the highest ranking the Panhandle institution has ever scored.
“We are proud to see UWF recognized at its highest ranking yet, a reflection of our exceptional programs, dedicated faculty and staff, and outstanding students,” said UWF interim President Manny Diaz Jr.
“This achievement underscores our continued momentum and commitment to excellence. We are grateful to our Board of Trustees, the Florida Board of Governors and the Florida Legislature for their support in helping us reach new heights.”
The school also received high marks from the periodical in other subcategories. UWF ranked sixth on the list of Best Colleges for Veterans in the South.
UWF has ranked in the Top 10 of that category for four straight years.
“UWF supports veterans, active-duty service members and their dependents through the Military and Veterans Resource Center, (MVRC) now part of the Office of Military Services,” a UWF news release said. “The MVRC serves as the central advocate for military-affiliated students, coordinating with University offices to provide assistance with VA education benefits, tuition assistance, fee waivers, academic advising and tutoring.”
Among all regional universities in the South, both public and private, UWF ranked 14th. That’s a marked improvement from the previous year’s ranking, when UWF was listed 23rd.
Colleges and universities covet the U.S. News & World Report rankings and instantly use the scores in marketing and student recruitment campaigns. It’s the 41st year the publication has issued the rankings.
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