University of West Florida combines exceptional affordability with positive earnings outcomes. Ranking at the 92.7th percentile for affordability and generating $2,062 in earnings beyond expectations, UWF delivers value through controlled costs and meaningful career preparation for diverse student populations.
With modestly below average results, reflecting earnings levels that are reasonable but not exceptional nationally
With top-tier performance, driven by low net prices and controlled debt levels relative to peers
With strong performance, indicating above-average enrollment of Pell-eligible, first-generation, and transfer students
With strong performance, reflecting the institution's ability to serve diverse student populations with positive economic outcomes
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisUniversity of West Florida delivers exceptional value through its combination of affordability and controlled debt levels. The institution ranks at the 92.7th percentile nationally for affordability, achieving top-tier performance in cost management.
Students graduate with median debt of $16,624, significantly below the peer median of $21,105, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34. The average net price of $8,155 represents substantial savings from the $18,504 cost of attendance, with financial aid covering $10,349 on average.
Students seeking affordable education with diverse program options, particularly those interested in nursing, business, and engineering fields. Well-suited for transfer students (53.4%) and first-generation students (36.1%) who value strong affordability with manageable outcomes at a public institution in Florida's Gulf Coast region.
University of West Florida admits 56.9% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 2 students receives an offer of admission. This places UWF in the moderately selective category, making admission achievable for well-prepared students while maintaining academic standards.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% highlights that UWF is notably more selective than typical public institutions in its category, admitting 27.7 percentage points fewer applicants than similar schools. This selectivity reflects the institution's position as a destination campus rather than an open-access institution.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of West Florida demonstrates exceptional affordability, ranking at the 92.7th percentile nationally with top-tier performance. The published cost of attendance totals $18,504 per year, including $6,360 in-state tuition, $12,432 for room and board, and $1,600 for books and supplies.
However, the average student pays just $8,155 after financial aid, representing $10,349 in average savings from the sticker price. This net price sits $5,938 below the peer median of $14,093, highlighting UWF's competitive advantage in affordability.
Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $19,241, but financial aid helps control overall costs for eligible students. The institution's affordability stems from both reasonable sticker prices and effective financial aid distribution.
Net prices vary systematically by family income, demonstrating progressive aid targeting that makes education accessible across economic backgrounds. UWF's affordability ranking places it among the top 10% of institutions nationally for cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive option for value-conscious families seeking quality education without excessive financial burden.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
54 graduates
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
471 graduates
Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians.
32 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
94 graduates
Computer Engineering, General.
8 graduates
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Mobile Higher acceptance rate (15.6 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 57 miles away; similar graduate earnings | AL | 73% | $43,611 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the University Of West Florida hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-west-florida/analysis.
Top-tier affordability with strong access
University of West Florida ranks #234 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with performance at the 85.7th percentile and strong tier designation. Located in Pensacola, Florida, this medium-sized public university admits 56.9% of applicants while maintaining moderately selective standards.
The institution enrolls 32.6% Pell-eligible students and 36.1% first-generation students, demonstrating solid access alongside academic quality. With an impressive 53.4% transfer student share, UWF serves as a pathway institution for students seeking to complete their degrees.
Test scores rank at the 91st percentile nationally, with admitted students typically scoring 1020-1230 on the SAT and 20-27 on the ACT. Graduates earn $49,137 ten years after enrollment, with earnings performance at the 38th percentile nationally.
The institution generates $2,062 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 63.9th percentile on this value-added measure, indicating positive outcomes relative to student demographics and program mix.
The admission rate creates a competitive but not overwhelming environment for prospective students. Most qualified applicants with solid academic credentials should expect reasonable admission prospects, though students should still present their strongest academic record.
For students building college lists, UWF represents a solid match option rather than a safety school. The moderate selectivity means students should have backup options with higher admission rates, particularly if their academic credentials fall below the typical admitted student profile.
This admission rate suggests students should approach UWF as a target institution and ensure their application materials reflect genuine interest and fit with the university's programs and mission.
University of West Florida graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth from $42,204 six years after enrollment to $49,137 at ten years, representing 16.4% growth over the four-year period. These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 3,215 graduates, providing confidence in the reported figures.
Earnings span from $32,366 at the 25th percentile to $73,762 at the 75th percentile, reflecting a 2.3:1 ratio that indicates moderate variation across career paths and program choices. The institution generates $2,062 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing UWF at the 63.9th percentile for value-added performance.
Low-income graduates earn $42,000, ranking at the top 50% of institutions nationally for outcomes among disadvantaged students. Approximately 29.2% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
While overall earnings rank at the 38th percentile nationally, the positive earnings uplift demonstrates the institution's ability to deliver outcomes that exceed predictions based on student demographics and program characteristics.
University of West Florida offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for analysis. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #126 nationally and #5 in Florida, graduating 471 students with median earnings of $67,805 and a value score of 54.4, making it the institution's largest and highest-value program.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering ranks #163 nationally and #7 in Florida, producing 54 graduates with the highest median earnings of $78,949. Artificial Intelligence ranks #154 nationally and #8 in Florida, graduating 94 students with median earnings of $63,429.
Business Administration and Management ranks #168 nationally and #7 in Florida, with 84 graduates earning $53,832. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences ranks #44 nationally and #8 in Florida, graduating 136 students with earnings of $41,051.
The nursing program stands out as both the largest by enrollment and strongest by value score, reflecting UWF's reputation in healthcare education and the program's effectiveness in career preparation.
Piedmont University Higher acceptance rate (36 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | GA | 93% | $49,130 | Compare |
Shepherd University Higher acceptance rate (38.8 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | WV | 96% | $49,358 | Compare |
University Of South Alabama Same region (58 miles away) with nearly identical earnings and similar program focus; same institution type | AL | 65% | $49,379 | Compare |
University Of Mobile Same region (57 miles away) (earnings difference: 11.2%) and similar program focus | AL | 73% | $43,611 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
William & Mary Similar quality tier in Southeast (#233 ranked) | VA | 33% | $73,490 | #233 | Compare |
Colorado State University-Fort Collins Similar quality tier (#235 ranked) | CO | 90% | $60,543 | #235 | Compare |
Rowan University Similar quality tier (#232 ranked) | NJ | 78% | $59,988 | #232 | Compare |
University Of Kansas Similar quality tier (#236 ranked) | KS | 88% | $61,945 | #236 | Compare |
Central Connecticut State University Similar quality tier (#228 ranked) | CT | 76% | $58,562 | #228 | Compare |
