Founded in 1963, the University of West Florida (UWF) has established itself as a beacon of academic excellence. Initially created to serve the Northwest Florida region, UWF has grown significantly over the decades, expanding its academic programs and research initiatives.
What Is It Known For?
UWF is known for its remarkable athletic achievements. The university leads the Gulf South Conference in total titles and all-sports awards.
What’s more is that the school also significantly impacts Northwest Florida’s economy, generating about $1.5 billion in annual sales proving to be an important part of the economy and community.
Who Owns It?
UWF is owned by the State of Florida. UWF, being a public institution, functions as a non-profit university with the main goal of providing high-quality education and supporting student achievement.
Degrees and Certifications
While not specifically a trade or vocational school, UWF offers a range of certificate programs designed to enhance professional skills and knowledge in various fields.
Some of the programs include:
- Project Management
- Cybersecurity Management
- Information Security Management
- Geographic Information Science
- Environmental Studies
- Business Foundations
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Human Performance Technology
Class Schedules
Recognizing its students’ different requirements, UWF provides flexible class schedules, including morning, afternoon, and evening alternatives, as well as hybrid learning possibilities that combine online and on-campus education.
Is the University of West Florida Legit?
The University of West Florida is a validated institution. UWF is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), confirming its reputation for academic achievement. Furthermore, several programs are recognized by notable organizations, including:
Additional accreditations can be found on the college’s website.
Acceptance Rate
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the acceptance rate for the University of West Florida is 48%. Admission test scores (SAT/ACT) are required as part of the application procedure.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
For undergraduate students, the average for in-state tuition and fees is $6,360 per year or $18,628 for out-of-state students. Other expenses that should be compared include accommodation, meals, and books among others. For more details, visit the UWF tuition page.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Digital Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Human Resources
- Logistics
- Procurement
- Supply Chain
Healthcare & Nursing
- BSN
- Healthcare Administration
- Public Health
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Practitioner
- MSN
- RN
Technology
- Cyber Security
- Information Technology
- Networking
Campus Locations
Pensacola 11000 University Pkwy Pensacola, FL 32514
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the University of West Florida (UWF) is a highly-rated institution for its natural beauty and quality instruction, but it is severely undermined by administrative frustrations, financial opacity, and a major political controversy.
Overall Score: 4.3/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Campus and Nature Amenities: UWF is repeatedly described as having a “beautiful campus” and being the perfect setting for nature lovers, boasting miles of trails for running, biking, and outdoor activities.
Caring Faculty and Quality Education: Many reviews commend the faculty, noting that professors “truly care about the success of their students” and that the overall education experience is “top-notch.” Small class sizes ensure easy access to professors.
Strong Performance in Specific Programs: The university is highlighted for its ABET accredited Engineering program and is a popular choice for health and science majors, including Registered Nursing and Psychology.
High Student Retention: Academic data shows an 84-88% retention rate for first-time, full-time students, indicating high student satisfaction with the initial experience.
Positive Career Outcomes: Over 79% of bachelor’s graduates are employed or continuing their education within a year of graduation, and the median average wage is approximately $53,000.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Financial “Money Grab”: This is a dominant criticism, with students feeling the university is “money hungry.” Complaints include expensive, poorly planned parking, extreme difficulty removing financial holds, and having to pay for a paper diploma after earning a digital “courtesy” copy.
Reputation Risk from Board Controversy: Multiple recent reviews express “very concerned” feelings about the public views of a board member regarding women not pursuing higher education, causing families with daughters to “reconsider sending her to this school.”
Inconsistent Career Outcomes: While overall statistics are strong, a recent Healthcare Administration graduate reported “zero callbacks” on hundreds of job applications, suggesting job readiness or marketability can be poor in certain fields.
Poor Communication: Multiple reviewers reported trying “multiple times to get ahold of this school” for information without success, and one reviewer detailed an “endless cycle of miscommunications” during their spouse’s enrollment.
Average Graduation Rate: The 6-year graduation rate is 50-53%, which is near the national average but lower than the rate for first-time, full-time students at some larger Florida universities.
Momentum
The University of West Florida is experiencing strong growth, with enrollment surpassing 15,000 students for the first time in its history. This positive trend, driven by high retention, is directly challenged by the ongoing public backlash regarding the board member controversy, which has created a significant reputational risk. The university is succeeding in becoming a larger institution, but it must address the long-standing complaints about student administration and communication to match its academic strengths.