Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) was founded in 1968 by Jess C. Moody, who envisioned creating a higher education institution rooted in Christian values while serving as the pastor of First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach. Moody led the university through its early years and remained its president until the first class graduated in 1972, after which he stepped down to concentrate on his pastoral responsibilities at the church.
Two lay members of the church, Donald Warren and Riley Sims, played pivotal roles in the university's establishment. Both served as trustees from the university's inception, dedicating significant time and resources to its growth. Warren, in particular, provided enduring leadership, chairing the board of trustees for 38 years until 2007. Their efforts were instrumental in shaping PBA’s foundation and future direction.
What is the Palm Beach Atlantic University US News National Rankings 2025?
Palm Beach Atlantic University ranks 377 according to the US News National Rankings 2025.
Campus
Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is situated in West Palm Beach, Florida. The university's first purpose-built structure, the W.G. Lassiter Jr. Student Center, was completed in 1982. This was followed by the construction of Johnson Hall and Sachs Hall in 1989. PBA expanded its reach in 2002 by establishing new campuses in Orlando and Wellington, although the Wellington campus ceased operations in 2017.
The West Palm Beach campus features a range of residence halls, including Baxter Hall, Coastal Towers Apartments, Johnson Hall, Oceanview Hall, Pembroke Hall, Rinker Hall, Watson Hall, and Weyenberg Hall. Key classroom and academic buildings include Vera Lea Rinker Hall, the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, Borbe Hall, MacArthur Hall, The Greene Complex for Sports and Recreation, and Okeechobee Hall, along with notable facilities such as Memorial Presbyterian Church, Fern Street Theatre, and Holy Trinity Church. In 2022, PBA launched the God-Sized Dreams campaign, a capital plan aimed at expanding academic programs and developing innovative spaces on the West Palm Beach campus. As part of this initiative, construction began in January 2024 on the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall, the first of four major projects under the campaign.
Palm Beach Atlantic University Global Ranking
The University is still awaiting its official rankings from prominent organisations such as QS, Times Higher Education, and US News and World Report. Despite its growing reputation and contributions to academia, the university has not yet been featured in the rankings published by these influential bodies. But it has been ranked at #377 in National Universities by U.S. News in 2025.
Although the University continues to develop its academic programs and research initiatives, it remains unranked by these major international ranking institutions. The absence of a ranking from QS, Times Higher Education, and US News does not reflect the quality of education or research output but simply indicates that the university has not been formally assessed by these specific agencies.
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Frequently asked questions on Palm Beach Atlantic University Ranking 2025
1: Why Should one Consider an Online Bachelor’s Degree?
A: Earning a degree online has several key benefits when compared with traditional in-person learning. Traveling to campus and attending in-person classes can be difficult for non-traditional students who may have full-time jobs or families to care for. Online study can accommodate the needs of a wider range of students and enable flexible scheduling. The ability to study at any time and place allows online students to earn a degree more efficiently.
2: Does PBA offer scholarships?
A: Yes! PBA offers a variety of merit-based scholarships for academic excellence including Supper Honors Program scholarships and two full tuition, room and board scholarships awarded annually through the Farish Program.