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University of West Florida

Pensacola, FL

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Quick Facts

“"No Limit"”

1963
Founded
Public university
Type
9,042
Total Students
9,646
Undergrad
4,697
Graduate
$108M
Endowment
(2024)
$6K
Tuition (In-State)
$19K
Tuition (Out-State)
$8K
Avg Net Price
57%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
6-year
88%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of West Florida

Discover your potential at UWF: Where growth knows 'No Limit'.

The University of West Florida (UWF) is a dynamic public university in Florida, founded in 1963 with the inspiring motto "No Limit." It's a place dedicated to student growth, symbolized by its unique emblem, the Chambered Nautilus, chosen to represent continuous evolution and accomplishment—a perfect metaphor for a student's journey and the university's own development.

UWF quickly established itself as the sixth institution in Florida's State University System. Uniquely, it began as an upper-level institution in 1967, serving juniors, seniors, and graduate students before expanding its offerings. From its groundbreaking in 1965 to its first commencement just three years later, UWF demonstrated a rapid commitment to academic excellence, earning accreditation shortly thereafter and establishing master's programs by 1969.

Academic offerings at UWF have evolved to meet contemporary needs. Today, the university is structured into four robust colleges: the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities; the College of Business; the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering; and the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health. Additionally, it features a dedicated School of Education, providing a comprehensive range of programs designed to empower students across diverse fields. This structure supports UWF's commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and preparing graduates for successful careers.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1963, UWF is the sixth institution of the State University System of Florida.
  • ✦Serves over 14,343 students as a public university with a $0.1 billion endowment.
  • ✦Symbolized by the Chambered Nautilus, representing growth, change, and accomplishment.
  • ✦Initially an innovative upper-level institution enrolling juniors, seniors, and graduate students.
  • ✦Features four distinct colleges: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities; Business; Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering; and Usha Kundu, MD College of Health, plus a dedicated School of Education.
  • ✦Its motto, "No Limit," reflects the university's dedication to boundless potential and opportunity.

Timeline

1962
Florida Legislature authorized a state university in Escambia County.
1963
University of West Florida founded.
1964
Harold Crosby appointed as the first president.
1965
Ground broken; Chambered Nautilus adopted as the official UWF emblem.
1967
First students began classes as an upper-level institution.
1968
First commencement ceremony held, with 58 students receiving degrees.
1969
University undergraduate programs accredited; first master's degree programs established.
1979
University reorganized into three traditional colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education.
2012
Academic colleges transitioned into a four-college structure.
2015
Most recent reorganization, establishing the current four colleges and the School of Education.
🏛️
63 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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