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. 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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of West Florida typically score 1020-1230 on the SAT, with a median of 1137, and 20-27 on the ACT, with a median of 24. The middle 50% of students score 500-600 on SAT Math and 520-630 on SAT Verbal, indicating solid preparation across both quantitative and verbal reasoning. SAT scores average 47 points higher than the peer median of 1090, while ACT scores average 2 points above the peer median of 22, demonstrating that UWF attracts academically stronger students than typical institutions in its category. These test score ranges place admitted students well above national averages, with performance at the 91st and 92nd percentiles respectively for SAT and ACT. The ranges indicate that most admitted students score between the 75th and 95th percentiles nationally on standardized tests. Students scoring below 1020 SAT or 20 ACT should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. The 25th percentile scores represent the lower boundary where admission becomes more challenging but remains possible with strong grades and other application components. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with this range when building their college list, as scores significantly below the 25th percentile suggest UWF may be a reach institution requiring exceptional strength in other application areas.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of West Florida enrolls 32.6% Pell-eligible students and 36.1% first-generation students, indicating the institution serves students from diverse economic backgrounds alongside those from more privileged families. The 53.4% transfer share represents one of UWF's most distinctive characteristics, showing that more than half of enrolled students began their college careers elsewhere. This high transfer percentage suggests UWF functions as a completion institution for students seeking to finish degrees started at community colleges or other four-year institutions. The combination of moderate selectivity with substantial transfer enrollment creates opportunities for students who may not have been competitive for direct admission as freshmen. Transfer students should note that UWF clearly welcomes and supports students changing institutions, with systems designed to accommodate this population. First-generation students should find comfort in the substantial 36.1% share, indicating strong representation and presumably support services for students navigating college without family precedent. The Pell share suggests that while UWF enrolls students from various economic backgrounds, it maintains accessibility for lower-income families through financial aid and affordable pricing. These demographics indicate UWF attracts students seeking second chances, degree completion opportunities, and affordable pathways to bachelor's degrees.
Given UWF's 56.9% acceptance rate and moderately selective standards, students below the typical academic profile should consider alternatives with more accessible admission or comparable outcomes through different pathways.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
University of West Florida retains 87.6% of freshmen for their second year, significantly above the peer median of 73.2%, indicating strong support systems for new students. The institution graduates 61.8% of students within six years, well above the peer median of 49.3%, demonstrating effectiveness in degree completion. Pell-eligible students graduate at 45.6%, creating a 16.2 percentage point gap between overall and Pell completion rates. This gap suggests some challenges in supporting lower-income students through degree completion, though both rates exceed peer medians. The retention rate indicates that students who enroll at UWF typically find the academic and social environment supportive enough to continue their studies. The completion rate demonstrates that UWF effectively moves students toward graduation once enrolled, with outcomes substantially better than peer institutions. The Pell gap, while present, should be viewed in context of the institution's overall completion rate being well above average. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for academic success, particularly in their first year where retention rates excel. Prospective students should view these completion rates as indicators of an environment where persistence and graduation are achievable goals rather than exceptional outcomes. The data suggests UWF has systems in place to support student success, though lower-income students may face additional challenges requiring proactive engagement with support services.
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