University of South Florida vs University of West Florida
Both universities offer similar in-state tuition costs, with USF at $6,410 and UWF at $6,360 annually. However, UWF provides better overall value with an average net price of $8,155 compared to USF's $10,043. Out-of-state students pay more at UWF ($19,241 vs $17,324).
USF presents slightly more competitive admissions with a 43.93% acceptance rate versus UWF's 48.03%. USF demonstrates stronger academic outcomes across multiple metrics: a 74.60% six-year graduation rate compared to UWF's 61.80%, and higher freshman retention (91.44% vs 87.64%). Both schools maintain identical 22:1 student-faculty ratios.
The size difference is substantial. USF enrolls 36,299 students in Tampa, offering the resources and opportunities of a major research university, including NCAA Division I athletics. UWF serves 9,042 students in Pensacola, providing a more intimate campus environment with Division II sports.
Career outcomes favor USF graduates, who earn a median salary of $57,743 ten years post-graduation compared to UWF's $49,137. However, UWF graduates carry slightly less debt ($16,624 vs $17,988).
USF's location in Tampa provides access to internships, cultural activities, and job opportunities in Florida's third-largest city. UWF's coastal Pensacola setting offers a smaller community atmosphere with beach access.
Academic strengths vary by institution, with USF offering broader research opportunities and program diversity due to its size, while UWF provides more personalized attention and smaller class sizes.
Students seeking a large research university experience with strong career outcomes should consider USF, while those preferring smaller classes and a tight-knit community atmosphere would find UWF more suitable.
Both universities offer similar in-state tuition costs, with USF at $6,410 and UWF at $6,360 annually. However, UWF provides better overall value with an average net price of $8,155 compared to USF's $10,043. Out-of-state students pay more at UWF ($19,241 vs $17,324).
USF presents slightly more competitive admissions with a 43.93% acceptance rate versus UWF's 48.03%. USF demonstrates stronger academic outcomes across multiple metrics: a 74.60% six-year graduation rate compared to UWF's 61.80%, and higher freshman retention (91.44% vs 87.64%). Both schools maintain identical 22:1 student-faculty ratios.
The size difference is substantial. USF enrolls 36,299 students in Tampa, offering the resources and opportunities of a major research university, including NCAA Division I athletics. UWF serves 9,042 students in Pensacola, providing a more intimate campus environment with Division II sports.
Career outcomes favor USF graduates, who earn a median salary of $57,743 ten years post-graduation compared to UWF's $49,137. However, UWF graduates carry slightly less debt ($16,624 vs $17,988).
USF's location in Tampa provides access to internships, cultural activities, and job opportunities in Florida's third-largest city. UWF's coastal Pensacola setting offers a smaller community atmosphere with beach access.
Academic strengths vary by institution, with USF offering broader research opportunities and program diversity due to its size, while UWF provides more personalized attention and smaller class sizes.
Students seeking a large research university experience with strong career outcomes should consider USF, while those preferring smaller classes and a tight-knit community atmosphere would find UWF more suitable.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| University of South Florida | University of West Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.9% | 48.0% |
| SAT Average | 1,235 | 1,140 |
| Enrollment | 36,299 | 9,042 |
| In-State Tuition | $6,410 | $6,360 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,324 | $19,241 |
| Net Price | $10,043 | $8,155 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 74.6% | 61.8% |
| Retention Rate | 91.4% | 87.6% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $57,743 | $49,137 |
| Median Debt | $17,988 | $16,624 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| University of South Florida | University of West Florida | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Computer Engineering. | $68,727 | Computer Engineering. | $63,005 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $67,772 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $61,172 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $61,603 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $58,454 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $60,025 | Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | $52,941 |
| Chemical Engineering. | $58,898 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $50,773 |