University of West Florida
University of West Florida has an acceptance rate of 58.2%, annual tuition of $6,360, average net price of $9,364, and a national rank of #284 (Grade A-), with a 58.8% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 9,330 undergraduates, and median earnings of $67,723 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 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 164.3%, roughly 114.4 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 58.8% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 60.9% 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
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 | $12,432 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,024 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $19,947 |
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 33.1% of University of West Florida students receive Pell Grants — slightly below 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. Low-income families pay less than $4,815 annually, while high-income families pay $16,620. Use University of West Florida's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $12,456/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $16,620/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $67,723
- 10-Year Median Earnings $49,137
- Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
- Average Student Debt $16,624
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 53.5%
- Employment Rate 85.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of West Florida graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
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: With a 164.3% return on investment, University of West Florida delivers exceptional value. Graduates earn $67,723 median—+12% above the national average—making this a strong investment for career-focused students.
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) 58.8%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 60.9%
- 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, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen, and Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 19.2%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 5.6%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 5.5%
- Psychology, General 4.8%
- Biology, General 4.7%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.2%
See more majors
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 3.8%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 3.4%
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 (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $92,915
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $79,429
- 3. Computer and Information Sciences, General $76,961
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $68,243
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations $65,643
- 6. Mathematics $65,538
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations $64,423
- 8. Engineering Technology, General $63,807
- 9. Computer and Information Sciences, General $63,521
- 10. Finance and Financial Management Services $61,307
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Public Health (Master's Degree) $145,561
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $106,161
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $103,426
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Curriculum and Instruction (Doctoral Degree) $79,561
- 5. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $78,531
- 6. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $72,406
- 7. Mathematics (Master's Degree) $68,555
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $68,305
- 9. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $66,001
- 10. Psychology, General (Master's Degree) $63,420
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering grads earn $92,915—52% more than Finance and Financial Management Services ($61,307). Graduate: Public Health programs lead with $145,561 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of West Florida. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 162 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 117 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 104 graduates)
- Curriculum and Instruction (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 96 graduates)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 94 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (19 programs)▼
- Psychology, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Accounting and Related Services
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Social Sciences, General
- Business/Commerce, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Engineering Technology, General
- Political Science and Government
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Mathematics
- Social Sciences, Other
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Online Master's Degrees (13 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Mathematics
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Accounting and Related Services
- Psychology, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Political Science and Government
- Engineering, General
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)▼
- Curriculum and Instruction
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Curriculum and Instruction
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 33.1%
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 a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 achieves an impressive 164.3% return on investment, ranking among the top value institutions nationwide. While ranked #284 overall, the school's financial value proposition significantly outperforms its selectivity ranking.
Students graduate to $67,723 median earnings while paying just $9,364 annually—a combination that produces superior ROI. The 58.8% graduation rate and 88.8% retention demonstrate solid student outcomes and satisfaction.
High-Value Institution: Why University of West Florida Delivers Strong Returns
EDsmart identifies University of West Florida as a high-value institution where modest costs combine with strong earning potential.
The Value Formula: University of West Florida's 164.3% ROI stems from balancing $67,723 median post-graduation earnings against $9,364 annual costs. This ratio outperforms most selective institutions where higher earnings come with prohibitive price tags.
Ideal Candidates: Budget-conscious students seeking maximum financial return. First-generation college students and middle-class families who need affordable paths to solid careers. Students in practical fields (business, healthcare, technology) where degree cost directly impacts lifetime wealth accumulation.
Understanding the Trade-offs: Schools with 164.3% ROI typically offer less brand prestige than elite universities. Career services, research opportunities, and facilities may be less extensive. For fields where institutional reputation matters significantly (law, medicine, academia), higher-ranked alternatives might justify additional investment.
EDsmart Verdict: With a A- grade and #284 ranking, University of West Florida represents smart value for students prioritizing financial outcomes. The school proves that high ROI doesn't require elite selectivity—careful program selection and cost management deliver results.
Key Takeaways
- 58.8% graduation rate sits 3.7 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 88.8% first-year retention is 12.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 164.3% return on investment is 114.4 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $67,723 run about 12% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $9,364 is roughly $10,715 lower than the national median of $20,079.
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.
- 85.0% employment rate within three years sits 16.8 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 33.1% trails the national share by 1.3 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 A- overall grade. It is currently ranked #284 nationally 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 (2026 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 58.8% graduate within 150% of normal time (60.9% within eight years). The reported ROI is 164.3%, 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 $9,364 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $19,947.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $10,583 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,624 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 33.1% 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 $67,723 four years after graduation. This is roughly 12% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 85.0% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 164.3%, 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
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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 College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of West Florida cost?
At University of West Florida, listed tuition and fees are $6,360 per year, and the average net price after aid is $9,364. 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 #284 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A-, 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 58.8% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 60.9%, 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 $67,723 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal 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 College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 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 Rate5.2%