At $8,155/yr net price, University of West Florida graduates earn $49,137/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,137/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,155 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,620 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,137/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,137/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,624 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,367/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,208/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,264/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,090/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,446/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health. | Master | $94,408 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $74,576 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Doctoral | $71,854 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,172 | $18,114 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,454 | $12,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $54,322 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $52,941 | $17,250 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,895 | $19,582 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $50,773 | $18,000 |
The Risk Factor
61.8% of students at University of West Florida graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of West Florida delivers strong financial value with a low net price of $8,155 annually and manageable median debt of $16,624. The school's location in Northwest Florida's growing healthcare and tech sectors creates solid earning potential for graduates in the right programs.
Public Health graduates earn $94,408 annually, making this program an strong investment. Computer and Information Sciences produces $74,576 earners, while Engineering fields generate $61,000-$63,000 salaries. These technical programs justify your investment given the regional demand for healthcare workers and the military contracting presence around Pensacola.
The 61.8% graduation rate presents a significant risk. Nearly two in five students leave without completing their degree, forfeiting their investment entirely. You need realistic assessment of your academic preparation before enrolling.
UWF works best if you plan to stay in the Gulf Coast region after graduation. The school's connections serve local employers well, but national recognition remains limited. Students seeking careers in major metropolitan areas may find better alumni networks elsewhere.
With only 32.55% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best strategy involves completing your degree in four years to minimize total costs. The combination of low tuition and reasonable debt loads makes UWF particularly attractive for students avoiding massive borrowing.
You should choose UWF if you want affordable education in healthcare, computing, or engineering fields while staying in Florida. Look elsewhere if you need extensive financial aid, plan to work outside the region, or lack confidence in completing your degree given the graduation rate concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of West Florida worth the cost for the salary you'll earn?
University of West Florida graduates earn a median salary of $49,137 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $8,155 per year, the return on investment is moderate but not exceptional compared to other state universities.
Which University of West Florida programs have the best job prospects and pay?
Public Health leads UWF's earnings with graduates making $94,408 annually, followed by Computer and Information Sciences at $74,576. Engineering programs like Computer Engineering ($63,005) and Electrical Engineering ($61,172) also offer solid returns that justify the investment.
How much debt do University of West Florida students typically graduate with?
UWF students graduate with a median debt of $16,624, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. The low net price of $8,155 per year helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
What are the risks of attending University of West Florida financially?
The main risk is UWF's 61.8% graduation rate, meaning nearly 4 in 10 students don't finish their degree but may still carry debt. Students in lower-paying majors may struggle to justify even the modest costs given the below-average post-graduation earnings.