Nova vs. University of West Florida

Comparable Facts

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

Nova Southeastern University is larger than University of West Florida based on total student enrollment (20,910 students vs. 14,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nova Southeastern University is located in Fort Lauderdale, FL (Large Suburban setting); University of West Florida is in Pensacola, FL (Small City setting).
• Nova Southeastern 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: Nova Southeastern University 16:1; University of West Florida 22:1.

Nova vs. University of West Florida Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nova 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 Nova ($10,092 vs. $31,858).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Florida are 26.2% lower than at Nova Southeastern University ($12,432 vs. $16,840).
• Nova Southeastern University is 508.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of West Florida (about $32,340 more per year; $38,700.00 vs. $6,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 101.1% higher at Nova than at University of West Florida (about $19,459 more per year; $38,700.00 vs. $19,241.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nova Southeastern University than at University of West Florida (100% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nova Southeastern University students is 160.2% larger than aid received by University of West Florida students ($24,965 vs. $9,595).

Nova vs. University of West Florida Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Nova 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 Nova.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nova Southeastern University (1170) is 40 points higher than at University of West Florida (1130).
• Incoming Nova students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at University of West Florida (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nova Southeastern University 1030/1300; University of West Florida 1020/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nova Southeastern University 19/28; University of West Florida 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nova - Required; University of West Florida - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Florida Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Nova students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.99) than students at University of West Florida (3.6).
• Nova has a higher acceptance rate (73.2%) than University of West Florida (58.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Nova vs. 26.1% at University of West Florida.

Nova vs. University of West Florida Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nova 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 Nova Southeastern University's (43%).
• Graduates from Nova Southeastern University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than University of West Florida graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,300 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of West Florida graduates have a $6,350 lower median loan debt than Nova graduates ($18,750 vs. $25,100).
• Among borrowers, University of West Florida graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nova graduates ($193 vs. $259).
• More University of West Florida graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nova students, three years after graduation. (55% vs. 44%)

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.