University of West Florida vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

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

Western Michigan University is larger than University of West Florida based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 14,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Florida is located in Pensacola, FL (Small City setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• University of West Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of West Florida 22:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

University of West Florida vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West Florida or WMU? 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 WMU ($10,092 vs. $17,331).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 2.1% lower than at University of West Florida ($12,174 vs. $12,432).
• Western Michigan University is 139.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of West Florida (about $8,892 more per year; $15,252.00 vs. $6,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.1% higher at University of West Florida than at Western Michigan University (about $207 more per year; $19,241.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Michigan University than at University of West Florida (94% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Michigan University students is 15.1% larger than aid received by University of West Florida students ($11,048 vs. $9,595).

University of West Florida vs. WMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of West Florida or WMU? 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 WMU and University of West Florida.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of West Florida (1130) is 20 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming University of West Florida students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at WMU (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Florida 1020/1230; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Florida 20/27; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Florida - Required; WMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Florida Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of West Florida students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at WMU (3.5).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than University of West Florida (58.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.1% at University of West Florida vs. 13.5% at WMU.

University of West Florida vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of West Florida and WMU? 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).

• Western Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than University of West Florida's (48%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than University of West Florida graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of West Florida graduates have a $7,883 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($18,750 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, University of West Florida graduates have an estimated $82 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($193 vs. $275).
• More University of West Florida graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU 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.