U.S. News & World Report ranks UF online engineering graduate programs in Top 15
Two online engineering graduate programs at the University of Florida cracked the Top 15 – one hitting No. 10 – on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the 2025 Best Online Programs.
The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering’s online master’s degree program was ranked No. 14 (up from No. 17 last year). Meanwhile, UF’s online master’s program for veterans and active-duty service members shared the No. 10 spot with Columbia University in New York City and the University of Southern California.
Those rankings represent overall public and private institutions. The two programs fared even better among U.S. News’ ranking of public-only universities, with the online master’s program ranked No. 11 and the graduate program for vets and active-duty military students ranked No. 7.
Released today, the news comes as no surprise for the programs’ students and faculty.
“Speaking as someone who attended in-person and now online, the program at UF is just as rigorous as the in-person classes,” said student Tori Hoffman. “This sets the online program miles above other programs that have different schedules and expectations for students in online-only environments.”
The ranking does not surprise me,” added fellow online student Matthew Richards. “Students from anywhere on the planet get to attend a great university at a low cost compared to many other universities. The cost savings are very important since many students are burdened with over-whelming student debt by the time they graduate.”
U.S. News evaluated schools based on a variety of factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies.
In its 13th year, the U.S. News Best Online Programs edition evaluates more than 1,600 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. The rankings only include degree-granting programs offered primarily online by accredited institutions.
“Access to accurate and up-to-date information about online programs is important for prospective students and professionals,” said LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News. “By evaluating factors such as student engagement and program quality, Best Online Programs rankings can help students identify which schools offer an exceptional online learning experience.”
Engineering faculty members contend the rankings fall in line with the quality and convenience they strive to offer.
“This recognition highlights the dedication of our faculty, who work tirelessly to deliver an exceptional online learning experience for our students,” said Denise Simmons, Ph.D., associate dean for Workforce Development at the college. “Our programs empower engineering professionals in the workforce with the knowledge and skills they need to advance their careers and make a lasting impact in their fields.”
Simon Phillpot, a distinguished professor with the UF Department of Materials Science & Engineering, said the online programs offer a vital service, particularly for students who already have embarked on their careers.
“Many of these students combine the technical courses with classes in engineering leadership, management, or entrepreneurship,” he said. “I have a great deal of respect for these students. They already have busy lives, often have families, and have to carve out time for classes, typically one or two each semester. Their commitment level is high as they know the sacrifices they and their families are making and the payoff it will give them.”
