SPC's Online Bachelor's Programs Named Best in Tampa Bay by U.S. News & World Report

St. Petersburg College continues to stand out in the latest U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs rankings, earning top regional and statewide recognition and delivering its strongest national performance to date.

Among the Florida College System’s 28 state colleges, SPC earned the following distinctions in the 2026 rankings:

• Best in Tampa Bay – Online Bachelor’s Programs (Overall)
• Best in Tampa Bay – Online Bachelor’s Programs in Business
• Best in Tampa Bay – Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans

These results mark the sixth consecutive year SPC has ranked No. 1 in Tampa Bay for both Online Bachelor’s Programs overall and for veterans. SPC’s College of Business ranked No. 1 across the Florida College System and the Tampa Bay area, reinforcing the College’s leadership in workforce-focused, career-aligned business education.

“This No. 1 ranking reflects our commitment to delivering business education that is practical, flexible and aligned with real-world employer needs,” said Dr. Emmanuel Hernandez-Agosto, dean of SPC’s College of Business. “Being recognized as the top program in both Tampa Bay and the Florida College System confirms our graduates are ready to lead and contribute from day one.”

Nationally, SPC placed among the top 100 public institutions for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the top public colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, underscoring its leadership in high-quality, career-aligned online education.

SPC’s national recognition mirrors its broader impact on the region. Updated economic data show the College generates $3.5 billion annual economic impact, representing approximately 1.4% of Tampa Bay’s gross regional product and supporting 37,083 jobs, or about one in every 60 jobs in the region. “This success reflects our students and the faculty and staff who support them,” said Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth, SPC vice president of Academic Affairs. “Our focus on high-wage, high-impact careers is why SPC delivers a $3.5 billion economic impact through our students, alumni, faculty and staff and why we’ve led in online education for more than 25 years.”

Through more than 300 degrees, certificates and workforce training pathways, SPC aligns education with employer needs in high-demand fields, including business, health care, technology and public service, helping students gain job-ready skills that drive career mobility and regional growth.

U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked Florida as the No. 1 state for higher education, citing strong graduation rates, affordability and low student debt; distinctions reflected in SPC’s continued performance among the state’s top institutions.