University of West Florida
University of West Florida has an acceptance rate of 58.2%, an average net price of $9,443, and an overall rank of #588 (Grade B+). About 59.5% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $57,149 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
University of West Florida is a public university in Pensacola, FL. Students most often pursue Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, and 88.8% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 138.1%, roughly 88.2 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is University of West Florida Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of West Florida graduates 59.5% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 63.5% and keeps 88.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of West Florida's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $10,249 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $6,360 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,702 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,150 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $19,692 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 37.5% of University of West Florida students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,456 to $15,148 depending on family income. Use University of West Florida's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $7,342/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $15,148/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $57,149
- 10-Year Median Earnings $52,902
- Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
- Average Student Debt $15,139
- Debt-to-Earnings ~26.5%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 53.5%
- Employment Rate 90.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of West Florida graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
University of West Florida vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of West Florida's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of West Florida's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: University of West Florida graduates report median earnings of $57,149 five years after graduation, 7% below the national median. The 138.1% ROI indicates solid long-term value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 520-630
- SAT Math 500-600
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 20-27
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 9,330
- Full-Time Students 72.3%
- Part-Time Students 27.7%
- Retention Rate 88.8%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 59.5%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 63.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 22:1
How to Get Into University of West Florida
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of West Florida requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 58.2%, University of West Florida is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 58.2% acceptance rate, University of West Florida is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1020 and 1230 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of West Florida undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Psychology, General, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 14.5%
- Psychology, General 8.1%
- Biology, General 5.1%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 4.9%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 4.7%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.6%
See more majors
- Business/Commerce, General 3.9%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 2.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs
- 1. Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degree) $100,069
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree) $90,014
- 3. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree) $85,719
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Undergraduate Certificate) $84,022
- 5. Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree) $80,222
- 6. Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degree) $67,974
- 7. Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General (Bachelor's Degree) $67,704
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree) $67,301
- 9. Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree) $65,918
- 10. Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degree) $63,425
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Public Health (Master's Degree) $120,513
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $111,364
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $95,586
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $90,561
- 5. Mathematics (Master's Degree) $89,768
- 6. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $89,081
- 7. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $78,837
- 8. Psychology, General (Master's Degree) $74,891
- 9. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $74,586
- 10. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $72,834
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering grads earn $100,069—58% more than Business/Commerce, General ($63,425). Graduate: Public Health programs lead with $120,513 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data does not list any fully online degree programs for University of West Florida. This institution may offer hybrid or partially online courses, but no fully online degree programs are reported in the latest data release.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 9,330
- Full-Time Students 72.3%
- Part-Time Students 27.7%
- Male Students 42.8%
- Female Students 57.2%
- Caucasian 60.2%
- Asian 3.5%
- Hispanic 11.9%
- Black 10.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 37.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of West Florida's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of West Florida's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of West Florida support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of West Florida, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of West Florida support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of West Florida, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of West Florida serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #588 overall with a 138.1% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $9,443 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $57,149 median earnings. The 59.5% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 88.8% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of West Florida's Strengths
Ranked #588 with a B+ grade, University of West Florida prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of West Florida excel at providing affordable education ($9,443 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of West Florida's 88.8% retention and 59.5% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($57,149 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of West Florida's 138.1% ROI and $9,443 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 59.5% graduation rate sits 3.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 88.8% first-year retention is 12.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 138.1% return on investment is 88.2 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $57,149 run about 7% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $9,443 is roughly $10,438 lower than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 22:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 88.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.0% employment rate within three years sits 21.8 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 37.5% trails the national share by 1.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of West Florida is a public university based in Pensacola, FL and earns a B+ overall grade. It is currently ranked #588 overall Completion earns B+, Support B-, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
88.8% of learners come back after year one while 59.5% graduate within 150% of normal time (63.5% within eight years). The reported ROI is 138.1%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $9,443 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $19,692.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $10,249 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,139 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 37.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $57,149 five years after graduation. This is roughly 7% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 90.0% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 138.1%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
58.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of West Florida admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). University of West Florida: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-west-florida/
MLA (9th): “University of West Florida: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-west-florida/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “University of West Florida: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-west-florida/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of West Florida's acceptance rate?
University of West Florida's acceptance rate is 58.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does University of West Florida cost?
At University of West Florida, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $9,443 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $19,692 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $6,360. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of West Florida's ranking?
University of West Florida ranks #588 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of West Florida's graduation rate?
At University of West Florida, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 59.5% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 63.5%, and first-year retention is 88.8%.
What are University of West Florida's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of West Florida report median earnings of $57,149 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of West Florida's student population?
University of West Florida enrolls about 9,330 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32514-5750
- Website uwf.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$92.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate3.9%