JU vs. University of West Florida

Comparable Facts

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

University of West Florida is larger than JU based on total student enrollment (14,822 students vs. 4,247 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

JU vs. University of West Florida Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JU 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 JU ($10,092 vs. $24,238).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Florida are 27.8% lower than at Jacksonville University ($12,432 vs. $17,210).
• Jacksonville University is 652% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of West Florida (about $41,470 more per year; $47,830.00 vs. $6,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 148.6% higher at JU than at University of West Florida (about $28,589 more per year; $47,830.00 vs. $19,241.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Jacksonville University than at University of West Florida (100% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Jacksonville University students is 315.4% larger than aid received by University of West Florida students ($39,859 vs. $9,595).

JU vs. University of West Florida Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JU 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 JU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Jacksonville University (1190) is 60 points higher than at University of West Florida (1130).
• Incoming JU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at University of West Florida).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jacksonville University 1100/1280; University of West Florida 1020/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jacksonville University 22/27; University of West Florida 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JU - Test optional; University of West Florida - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Florida Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at University of West Florida (3.6).
• University of West Florida has a higher acceptance rate (58.2%) than JU (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.3% at JU vs. 26.1% at University of West Florida.

JU vs. University of West Florida Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JU 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 West Florida's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Jacksonville University's (40%).
• Graduates from Jacksonville University earn a median of about $13,600 more per year than University of West Florida graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,800 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of West Florida graduates have a $3,871 lower median loan debt than JU graduates ($18,750 vs. $22,621).
• Among borrowers, University of West Florida graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JU graduates ($193 vs. $233).
• More University of West Florida graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JU students, three years after graduation. (55% vs. 54%)

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.