
11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32514-5750, USA


The University of West Florida holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which authorizes it to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. This accreditation ensures that the university meets established standards of quality and effectiveness in higher education.
Several of its individual academic programs also maintain specialized accreditation from relevant professional bodies. For example, the College of Business programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), reflecting adherence to rigorous business education standards.
Additionally, the university's nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), confirming the programs meet national standards for nursing education. Other professional programs may carry further accreditations that validate their curriculum and prepare students for professional certification or licensure in their respective fields.
The University of West Florida requires applicants to have completed high school or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. A secondary school transcript and grade point average are mandatory components of the application, while a class rank is recommended but not required. Although an associate degree from a Florida public junior college is preferred for admission, dual credit is not accepted. The university recommends submitting additional supporting materials such as recommendations and competency evidence, but these are not compulsory.
Applicants must submit standardized admission test scores, including the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is required for non-native English speakers. Other standardized tests may be submitted on a recommended basis. The university does not mandate computer ownership; however, it does offer computer leasing options.
Regarding academic credit policies, the University of West Florida accepts college credits, including Advanced Placement (AP) credits. The institution does not operate under an open admission policy, implying selective enrollment standards.
Standardized test score data indicate an average combined SAT score around 1135, with breakdowns showing about 555 in mathematics and 580 in writing, situating students generally in the lower half nationally. The average ACT composite score is approximately 24. The university's acceptance rate stands at 57%, reflecting somewhat selective admissions relative to many institutions.
The University of West Florida requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admissions materials. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications.
Applicants who may face financial hardships can request a waiver for this fee. The university offers fee waivers to eligible students to reduce financial barriers to application. These waivers are typically granted based on specific criteria, such as participation in certain federal aid programs or other documented financial needs.
Students interested in applying for a fee waiver should review the university's guidelines carefully and provide any required documentation to support their request. This ensures the university can consider their application without the burden of the application fee.
No specific ROTC branch units are present on the campus of University of West Florida. Prospective students interested in ROTC programs may need to consider alternative institutions that offer these programs directly or explore affiliated partnership options if available elsewhere.
University of West Florida admits transfer students for the fall, spring, and summer terms, providing multiple opportunities throughout the year to continue education without prolonged breaks. The institution maintains a moderately difficult entrance standard for transfers, requiring applicants to meet certain academic thresholds before acceptance.
Transfer applicants benefit from the university's acceptance of various credit types. This includes credits earned through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) for both subject-specific and general exams, as well as credits from the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program. Additionally, the university recognizes Excelsior College credits and accepts recommendations that may support a transfer candidate's application.
The policy encourages the transfer of previously earned college credits, allowing students to advance their educational progress without unnecessary repetition of coursework.
University of West Florida offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich the academic experience and provide cultural immersion for students. These programs include semester and summer options, allowing participants to earn academic credit while studying in international locations. The university collaborates with partner institutions around the world, giving students access to diverse educational settings and specialized courses.
Programs focus on fields such as business, marine biology, education, and history, aligning with the university's academic strengths. Some opportunities involve short-term faculty-led trips that combine classroom study with cultural excursions, while others allow students to enroll directly in foreign universities for a more immersive experience.
In addition to credit-bearing programs, University of West Florida provides support services to assist students with scholarships, travel arrangements, and acclimation abroad. These resources aim to make the study abroad process more accessible and seamless, encouraging participation from a wide range of students across disciplines.
Median composite SAT score
1135Median composite ACT score
24Percent of students submitting ACT scores
66%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
48%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RecommendedRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
RequiredTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedPreferential admissions consideration text
applicants with associate degrees from Florida public junior collegesOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer