Accreditations and Accolades

Accreditations

  • The Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business at the University of West Florida is accredited by AACSB International (AACSB)—the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. Only 6% of the business schools worldwide have earned this symbol of the highest standard in management education.

  • 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).

Learn Why AACSB Accreditation Matters When Choosing An MBA Program

Accolades

Ranked #10

Ranked #10 among the “Top Public Schools” in the South by U.S. News & World Report (2025)

  • One of the only business schools in the Florida Panhandle region that is accredited by AACSB International (AACSB)

  • Designated a Purple Star Campus by the Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus Program (2024)

  • U.S. News & World Report Rankings:
    • Ranked No. 9 in the "Best Colleges for Veterans, Regional Universities South" (2025)
    • Ranked No. 23 among the "Best Regional Universities South" (2025)
    • Ranked No. 20 in the "Best Online Master’s Education Programs for Veterans" (2025)
    • Ranked No. 37 among the "Top Performers on Social Mobility, Regional Universities South" (2025)
    • Ranked No. 48 in the "Best Value Schools, Regional Universities South" (2025)
    • Ranked among the “Best Online MBA Programs” (2024)

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

  • Ranked 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

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

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

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

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

  • MBA with an emphasis in Cybersecurity Management program ranked #2 Best Cybersecurity MBA programs by Cybersecurity Guide (2025)

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