Students at the University of West Florida benefit from exceptional affordability while still achieving earnings that exceed expectations for graduates of similar regional institutions.
The combination of low net prices and solid career outcomes makes UWF particularly valuable for first-generation students and families seeking predictable return on investment.
The University of West Florida delivers reliable outcomes for students seeking an accessible, affordable path to career success in northwest Florida. As a medium-sized public university, UWF serves a diverse student body where about 33% receive Pell Grants and 36% are first-generation college students, yet maintains graduation rates and earnings that support upward mobility for these populations.
The university's strength lies in its combination of broad access with focused program excellence, particularly in nursing and health sciences where graduates consistently achieve strong earnings. With 10-year median earnings of $49,137 and graduates earning about $2,062 more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions, UWF provides solid return on investment without the selectivity barriers of flagship institutions.
Located in Pensacola, UWF offers the benefits of a comprehensive university experience while maintaining affordability that makes higher education accessible to working families throughout the region. The university's 17% transfer-in rate demonstrates its role as a destination for students seeking to complete their degrees in a supportive environment that emphasizes practical career preparation over prestige.
The University of West Florida's program portfolio centers on practical, career-oriented fields that connect directly to regional employment opportunities. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest program by enrollment (471 graduates) and a top performer for earnings, with graduates earning $58,454 ten years out. This reflects the strong demand for healthcare professionals in northwest Florida and the university's established relationships with regional medical systems.
Engineering programs deliver the highest individual earnings, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning $61,172 despite the program's smaller scale of 54 graduates annually. Health Services programs serve a broader population of 136 students with more moderate earnings around $31,547, providing accessible entry points into healthcare careers that offer stability and growth potential.
The university's program mix emphasizes fields where graduates can find immediate employment in the regional economy while building toward long-term career advancement. This practical focus helps explain why UWF graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations despite the institution's accessible admission standards and moderate selectivity.
University of West Florida graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that exceed expectations for a regional public university. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $49,137, with the institution delivering about $2,062 more in earnings than similar students typically see at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage reflects UWF's focus on career-oriented programs that connect directly to regional employment opportunities and growing industries.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its health sciences programs, led by Adult Health Nursing which graduates 471 students annually with median 10-year earnings of $58,454. Electrical and Electronics Engineering produces the highest individual earnings at $61,172 for its 54 graduates, while Health Services programs serve 136 students with more moderate but stable earnings around $31,547. This program mix emphasizes practical, in-demand fields that provide clear pathways to employment in Florida's growing healthcare and technology sectors.
UWF's career outcomes benefit from its location in a region where healthcare, engineering, and business services are expanding, creating consistent demand for graduates in the university's core program areas. The combination of focused program strength and regional employer relationships helps explain why UWF graduates outperform earnings expectations despite the university's accessible admission standards.
The University of West Florida stands out for exceptional affordability across all income levels, ranking in the top 7% nationally for overall affordability. Low-income students pay just $3,367 annually after aid, well below typical public university costs, while middle-income families see net prices around $8,264 per year. Even high-income families pay only $15,446 annually, making UWF accessible to a broad range of economic backgrounds without the premium pricing seen at many state flagship institutions.
Debt levels remain manageable for most UWF students, with typical graduates carrying $16,624 in federal student loans and families borrowing an average of $12,378 through Parent PLUS programs when they choose additional financing. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations, supported by steady employment in the region's healthcare, education, and business sectors. This combination of low upfront costs and manageable debt loads creates a sustainable path to degree completion for students from diverse economic circumstances.
University Of West Florida Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
