Palm Beach Atlantic vs. University of West Florida

Comparable Facts

Compare Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, 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 Palm Beach Atlantic based on total student enrollment (14,822 students vs. 4,147 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Palm Beach Atlantic University is located in West Palm Beach, FL (Small City setting); University of West Florida is in Pensacola, FL (Small City setting).
• Palm Beach Atlantic 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: Palm Beach Atlantic University 13:1; University of West Florida 22:1.

Palm Beach Atlantic vs. University of West Florida Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Palm Beach Atlantic 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 Palm Beach Atlantic ($10,092 vs. $31,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Florida are 9.9% lower than at Palm Beach Atlantic University ($12,432 vs. $13,800).
• Palm Beach Atlantic University is 539.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of West Florida (about $34,290 more per year; $40,650.00 vs. $6,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 111.3% higher at Palm Beach Atlantic than at University of West Florida (about $21,409 more per year; $40,650.00 vs. $19,241.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Palm Beach Atlantic University than at University of West Florida (100% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Palm Beach Atlantic University students is 134.4% larger than aid received by University of West Florida students ($22,493 vs. $9,595).

Palm Beach Atlantic vs. University of West Florida Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Palm Beach Atlantic 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 Palm Beach Atlantic.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of West Florida (1130) is 40 points higher than at Palm Beach Atlantic (1090).
• Incoming University of West Florida students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Palm Beach Atlantic).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Palm Beach Atlantic University 950/1220; University of West Florida 1020/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Palm Beach Atlantic University 18/26; University of West Florida 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Palm Beach Atlantic - Test optional; University of West Florida - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Florida Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of West Florida students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Palm Beach Atlantic (3.36).
• Palm Beach Atlantic has a higher acceptance rate (82%) than University of West Florida (58.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at Palm Beach Atlantic vs. 26.1% at University of West Florida.

Palm Beach Atlantic vs. University of West Florida Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Palm Beach Atlantic 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).

• Palm Beach Atlantic University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than University of West Florida's (48%).
• Graduates from Palm Beach Atlantic University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than University of West Florida graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,300 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of West Florida graduates have a $3,954 lower median loan debt than Palm Beach Atlantic graduates ($18,750 vs. $22,704).
• Among borrowers, University of West Florida graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Palm Beach Atlantic graduates ($193 vs. $234).
• More Palm Beach Atlantic graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Florida students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.