Florida State vs. University of West Florida

Comparable Facts

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

Florida State University is larger than University of West Florida based on total student enrollment (43,889 students vs. 14,822 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Florida State University is located in Tallahassee, FL (Midsize City setting); University of West Florida is in Pensacola, FL (Small City setting).
• Florida State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of West Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Florida State University 17:1; University of West Florida 22:1.

Florida State vs. University of West Florida Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Florida State 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 State ($10,092 vs. $15,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Florida are 7.7% lower than at Florida State University ($12,432 vs. $13,474).
• University of West Florida is 12.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Florida State (about $704 more per year; $6,360.00 vs. $5,656.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.4% higher at University of West Florida than at Florida State University (about $455 more per year; $19,241.00 vs. $18,786.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Florida State University than at University of West Florida (91% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of West Florida students is 3.4% larger than aid received by Florida State University students ($9,595 vs. $9,279).

Florida State vs. University of West Florida Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Florida State University (1340) is 210 points higher than at University of West Florida (1130).
• Incoming Florida State students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (30 vs. 23 at University of West Florida).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Florida State University 1270/1410; University of West Florida 1020/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Florida State University 29/32; University of West Florida 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Florida State - Required; University of West Florida - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Florida State Mar 1, 2027; University of West Florida Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Florida State 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 Florida State (24.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Florida State vs. 26.1% at University of West Florida.

Florida State vs. University of West Florida Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Florida State and University of West Florida? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Florida State University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than University of West Florida's (48%).
• Graduates from Florida State University earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than University of West Florida graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,400 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of West Florida graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Florida State graduates ($18,750 vs. $20,750).
• Among borrowers, University of West Florida graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Florida State graduates ($193 vs. $214).
• More Florida State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Florida students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.