The University of West Florida (UWF) vs FSU Poly

Nestled in the vibrant city of Pensacola, The University of West Florida (UWF) and Florida Polytechnic University (FPU), located in the heart of Lakeland, stand as two distinct beacons of higher education in Florida. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer unique experiences shaped by their contrasting acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation outcomes. UWF boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse student body from various backgrounds, while FPU maintains a more selective admissions process, attracting students with strong academic records. In terms of academic offerings, UWF excels in liberal arts and sciences, while FPU specializes in STEM-related fields, catering to students with a passion for technology and innovation. Discover the nuances that set these universities apart by delving into the comprehensive comparison table below, and find the institution that best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Florida Polytechnic University logo

Florida Polytechnic University

The University of West Florida logo

The University of West Florida

Overview

Location Lakeland, Florida Pensacola, Florida
Campus setting Rural: Fringe City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 70.0% 84.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 54.6% 52.8%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $30

Graduate: $30
Undergraduate: $30

Graduate: $30
SAT range 1183 - 1370 1040 - 1230
ACT range 26 - 31 21 - 27
Students submitting SAT score 90.0% 58.0%
Students submitting ACT score 49.0% 67.0%
Total number of applicants 2,124 8,660
Total number of admissions given out 1,159 4,573
Admitted students who chose to enroll 398 1,159
Yield rate 34.3% 25.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $21,611

Out of state: $37,676
In state: $21,528

Out of state: $34,409
Average net price $9,376 $10,344
Tuition $3,152
In state: $4,319

Out of state: $16,587
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,941

Meal plan: $4,276
Room/dormitory: $5,900

Meal plan: $4,590
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $10,409
97.0%
Average amount $10,774
Students receiving federal student loan 67.0%
Average amount $2,226
22.0%
Average amount $4,656
Students taking out private loans 2.0%
Average amount $9,664
1.0%
Average amount $10,351

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 1,479
Men 82.8% Women 17.2%
9,319
Men 41.8% Women 58.2%
Graduate students 84
Men 83.3% Women 16.7%
3,969
Men 31.7% Women 68.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 2.8% 2.5%
Campus local/setting Rural: Fringe City: Small
Dormitory capacity 800 1,467
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Engineering
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Business
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Health Professions
  • Liberal Arts
  • Education
  • Business
  • Psychology
Students to faculty ratio 18:1 21:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 55.6% 52.0%
Dropout rate 42.9% 38.0%
Transferred out N/A 7.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Computer Software and Media Applications (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,731
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,501
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,119
  • Year 2: $61,172
  • Year 3: $71,579
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,454
  • Year 2: $54,322
  • Year 3: $61,949
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,076
  • Year 2: $58,454
  • Year 3: $61,780
Curriculum and Instruction (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $71,854
  • Year 3: $57,639
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,438
  • Year 2: $52,895
  • Year 3: $57,401
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,827
  • Year 2: $49,854
  • Year 3: $57,159
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,104
  • Year 2: $52,941
  • Year 3: $56,478
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,359
  • Year 2: $50,773
  • Year 3: $56,183
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,664
  • Year 2: $49,918
  • Year 3: $54,030
Mathematics (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,129
  • Year 2: $50,105
  • Year 3: $52,616