Florida vs. University of West Florida

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Florida in Gainesville, FL with University of West Florida in Pensacola, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Florida is larger than University of West Florida based on total student enrollment (56,311 students vs. 14,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Florida is located in Gainesville, FL (Midsize City setting); University of West Florida is in Pensacola, FL (Small City setting).
• University of Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of West Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Florida 16:1; University of West Florida 22:1.

Florida vs. University of West Florida Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Florida or University of West Florida? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of West Florida than Florida ($10,092 vs. $11,936).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Florida are 2.5% lower than at University of West Florida ($12,120 vs. $12,432).
• University of Florida is 0.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of West Florida (about $21 more per year; $6,381.00 vs. $6,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.9% higher at Florida than at University of West Florida (about $9,418 more per year; $28,659.00 vs. $19,241.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Florida than at University of West Florida (91% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Florida students is 13% larger than aid received by University of West Florida students ($10,846 vs. $9,595).

Florida vs. University of West Florida Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Florida or University of West Florida? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of West Florida and Florida.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Florida (1400) is 270 points higher than at University of West Florida (1130).
• Incoming Florida students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 23 at University of West Florida).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Florida 1320/1480; University of West Florida 1020/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Florida 29/33; University of West Florida 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Florida - Required; University of West Florida - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Florida Mar 1, 2027; University of West Florida Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Florida students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at University of West Florida (3.6).
• University of West Florida has a higher acceptance rate (58.2%) than Florida (24.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.2% at Florida vs. 26.1% at University of West Florida.

Florida vs. University of West Florida Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Florida and University of West Florida? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Florida's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than University of West Florida's (48%).
• Graduates from University of Florida earn a median of about $21,400 more per year than University of West Florida graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,600 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Florida graduates have a $2,935 lower median loan debt than University of West Florida graduates ($15,815 vs. $18,750).
• Among borrowers, Florida graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of West Florida graduates ($163 vs. $193).
• More Florida graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Florida students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 55%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.