Miami vs. University of West Florida

Comparable Facts

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

University of Miami is larger than University of West Florida based on total student enrollment (19,852 students vs. 14,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Miami is located in Coral Gables, FL (Large Suburban setting); University of West Florida is in Pensacola, FL (Small City setting).
• University of Miami is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of West Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Miami 11:1; University of West Florida 22:1.

Miami vs. University of West Florida Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Miami 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 Miami ($10,092 vs. $45,397).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Florida are 47.7% lower than at University of Miami ($12,432 vs. $23,790).
• University of Miami is 884.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of West Florida (about $56,256 more per year; $62,616.00 vs. $6,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 225.4% higher at Miami than at University of West Florida (about $43,375 more per year; $62,616.00 vs. $19,241.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of West Florida than at University of Miami (85% vs. 79%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Miami students is 327.2% larger than aid received by University of West Florida students ($40,992 vs. $9,595).

Miami vs. University of West Florida Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Miami 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 Miami.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Miami (1400) is 270 points higher than at University of West Florida (1130).
• Incoming Miami 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 Miami 1320/1480; University of West Florida 1020/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Miami 30/33; University of West Florida 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Miami - Required; University of West Florida - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Miami Jan 1, 2027; University of West Florida Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Miami students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at University of West Florida (3.6).
• University of West Florida has a higher acceptance rate (58.2%) than Miami (18.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.3% at Miami vs. 26.1% at University of West Florida.

Miami vs. University of West Florida Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Miami 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 Miami's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than University of West Florida's (48%).
• Graduates from University of Miami earn a median of about $29,000 more per year than University of West Florida graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,200 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of West Florida graduates have a $1,096 lower median loan debt than Miami graduates ($18,750 vs. $19,846).
• Among borrowers, University of West Florida graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Miami graduates ($193 vs. $205).
• More Miami graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Florida students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.