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On the Warrington campus, Pensacola State nursing students check the vitals on “Super Tory,” an infant patient simulator. The college’s online Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program has been listed among the best in Florida and the nation by U.S. News and World Report. In the “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs 2025 Edition” listing, Pensacola
Pensacola State College is 2nd in the Florida College System, 7th overall in Florida, and 39th in the U.S., moving up two positions from 2024.
Pensacola State College’s online RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Program has once again been recognized for excellence, ranking among the best in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs 2025 Edition. The program is ranked 2nd among the 28 Florida College System institutions and 7th among all public and private colleges and universities in Florida. Nationally, PSC is 39th out of 359 institutions, climbing two spots from its 2024 position and tying with the University of West Florida.
“This recognition highlights the RN to BSN program’s excellence in education, clinical practice, and research,” stated Dr. Dusti Sluder, PSC Dean of Health Sciences. “Pensacola State College is committed to preparing compassionate, skilled, and knowledgeable nurses equipped to impact the healthcare community profoundly.”
U.S. News & World Report evaluates programs based on four categories: Engagement (35%), Services and Technologies (25%), Faculty Credentials and Training (20%), and Expert Opinion (20%). Schools are scored on a 1-100 scale, with the highest-ranking program earning 100 points. Pensacola State College received an overall score of 85.
“Since its inception in 2011, PSC’s online RN to BSN Program has been designed to accommodate working healthcare professionals, offering the flexibility needed to balance career and personal commitments. By December 2024, 447 students had earned Bachelor of Science Nursing degrees from PSC,” stated Dr. Ed Meadows, President of the College.
Director of Nursing, Dr. Corey Lofton credited the program’s success to its rigorous, evidence-based curriculum and expert faculty. “The program emphasizes hands-on learning opportunities, state-of-the-art resources, and strong partnerships with healthcare organizations, clinical affiliates, and community partnerships to ensure students are well-prepared for real-world challenges,” Lofton explained. The program’s online format allows students to access high-quality learning
materials, interactive tools, and virtual support services designed to provide the same academic rigor and professional preparation as traditional classroom settings.
Tuition and fees for the online RN to BSN program are $104.58 per credit hour for in-state students and $419.76 for out-of-state students, with 120 credit hours required for graduation.
Dr. Lofton reflected, “Pensacola State College is honored to be recognized for providing an outstanding online bachelor’s program in nursing. This distinction reflects our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and the success of our students in meeting the evolving needs of the nursing profession.” U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs 2025 Edition ranks over 1,400 public and private colleges and universities. The full report is available on Jan. 21, 2025, at www.usnews.com/bestcolleges.