Pensacola, FL · Private University
Is University of West Florida Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$49,137
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$6,360
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,241
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$76,964
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.55x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
61.8%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$16,624
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$8,155
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of West Florida graduates earn $4,137 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of West Florida ranked by graduate earnings
35 graduates
505 graduates
25 graduates
65 graduates
28 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of West Florida
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of West Florida, the gap between the highest-earning major (Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering: $78,949) and the lowest (Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology: $28,560) is $50,389/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications EngineeringBest ROI | $78,949 | 4.1x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $67,805 | 3.5x |
| Engineering Technology, General(1yr data) | $63,807 | 3.3x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $63,429 | 3.3x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $59,642 | 3.1x |
| Mechanical Engineering(1yr data) | $58,548 | 3.0x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $53,832 | 2.8x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $53,294 | 2.8x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $52,563 | 2.7x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $50,345 | 2.6x |
| Marketing | $47,485 | 2.5x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $43,362 | 2.3x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $41,494 | 2.2x |
| Legal Support Services | $41,313 | 2.1x |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $41,051 | 2.1x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $40,646 | 2.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $39,849 | 2.1x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $39,209 | 2.0x |
| Biology, General | $38,918 | 2.0x |
| Social Sciences, General | $38,598 | 2.0x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,235 | 1.9x |
| Social Work | $36,233 | 1.9x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $35,423 | 1.8x |
| History | $35,350 | 1.8x |
| Psychology, General | $35,020 | 1.8x |
| Political Science and Government(1yr data) | $34,484 | 1.8x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $32,082 | 1.7x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $31,211 | 1.6x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $29,087 | 1.5x |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population BiologyLowest | $28,560 | 1.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of West Florida stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $49,137 10 years after starting — $4,137 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5.4 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.