UCCS vs. University of West Florida

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Colorado Colorado Springs in Colorado Springs, CO 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 UCCS based on total student enrollment (14,822 students vs. 11,354 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Colorado Colorado Springs is located in Colorado Springs, CO (Large City setting); University of West Florida is in Pensacola, FL (Small City setting).
• University of Colorado Colorado Springs is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of West Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Colorado Colorado Springs 15:1; University of West Florida 22:1.

UCCS vs. University of West Florida Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UCCS 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 UCCS ($10,092 vs. $16,942).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Florida are 3.8% lower than at University of Colorado Colorado Springs ($12,432 vs. $12,918).
• University of Colorado Colorado Springs is 59.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of West Florida (about $3,789 more per year; $10,149.00 vs. $6,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.5% higher at UCCS than at University of West Florida (about $5,095 more per year; $24,336.00 vs. $19,241.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of West Florida than at University of Colorado Colorado Springs (85% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of West Florida students is 29.3% larger than aid received by University of Colorado Colorado Springs students ($9,595 vs. $7,420).

UCCS vs. University of West Florida Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UCCS 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 UCCS.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of West Florida (1130) is 10 points higher than at UCCS (1120).
• Incoming UCCS 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: University of Colorado Colorado Springs 1010/1220; University of West Florida 1020/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Colorado Colorado Springs 20/26; University of West Florida 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UCCS - 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 UCCS (3.36).
• UCCS has a higher acceptance rate (97.4%) than University of West Florida (58.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at UCCS vs. 26.1% at University of West Florida.

UCCS vs. University of West Florida Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UCCS 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 University of Colorado Colorado Springs's (41%).
• Graduates from University of Colorado Colorado Springs earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than University of West Florida graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of West Florida graduates have a $2,249 lower median loan debt than UCCS graduates ($18,750 vs. $20,999).
• Among borrowers, University of West Florida graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UCCS graduates ($193 vs. $217).
• More UCCS 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.