Yes. UWF superscores the SAT/ACT. For automatic merit, students must still meet subject-area subscore minimums and the GPA/test tier by the Dec 1 priority date.

If we applied test-optional, can we still get automatic merit?

Automatic merit requires qualifying ACT/SAT/CLT scores with the required subscores. Submit official scores by the priority date.

Do subscores really matter?

Yes. Certain subject-area scores are required in addition to your composite. Send all test sittings so your best section scores can count.

Automatic merit priority is typically Dec 1. PSC invitations/registration follow in winter. National Merit Finalists should submit documentation as soon as available.

Where do we find most “extra” scholarships?

In the UWF Scholarship Portal. Complete the General Scholarship Application, then apply to matched departmental and donor funds before the portal deadline.

Can ROTC stack with UWF merit?

Often yes, but if ROTC pays full tuition you usually can’t apply another tuition scholarship on top of it. Housing, meal, and book stipends can still stack.

Do Honors students get extra money?

Honors offers a tuition waiver for specific study-abroad seminars and may advertise competitive travel scholarships. Admissions merit still applies separately.

The portal typically closes late winter or early spring for the following year. ROTC boards have distinct national timelines.

Do we need test scores if we applied test-optional?

Yes—automatic merit awards require qualifying ACT/SAT/CLT scores with required subscores, submitted by the priority date.

Can these stack with other aid?

Generally yes with Bright Futures and most private scholarships, up to the cost of attendance. Departmental and ROTC awards often stack; check caps and exclusions.

Is the Alabama Differential a scholarship?

No. It’s a special tuition rate for Alabama residents. Students can still be considered for UWF merit on top of that rate.

Do National Merit Finalists get more?

Yes. UWF offers a comprehensive package for National Merit Finalists; see the National Merit guide and Competitive Scholarships section.

When should we apply to Honors?

Apply to UWF early. Honors invitations typically begin in January; respond quickly to secure advising and registration advantages.

Are there extra funds beyond the waiver in Honors?

Yes. Honors advertises competitive travel scholarships and partners with Admissions and colleges on merit opportunities; check the UWF Scholarship Portal.

University of West Florida Scholarships (2025–2026)

Q: How much could we save?

About $9,750/year with the Alabama Differential or about $9,200/year with the online waiver at 30 credits. Academic Common Market generally reduces tuition to Florida in-state rates for the approved program.

Q: Is PSC invitation-only?

Yes. UWF invites a subset of admitted freshmen each year and seats are limited. Watch email in winter and register promptly if invited.

Q: Do competitive awards stack with automatic merit?

Often yes, but packages may be adjusted so total gift aid does not exceed direct costs. Review each offer’s stacking rules.

Q: Test-optional vs. competitive awards?

Competitive processes prioritize overall academic rigor and achievements. Strong ACT/SAT/CLT scores can help even if admission was test-optional.

← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Florida state aid

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

📊 Admissions Snapshot

Acceptance Rate: ~57%
Middle 50% ACT / SAT: ACT 20–27 • SAT 1,020–1,230
Average HS GPA: ~3.7 (weighted, middle range ~3.57–4.21)

Source: UWF admissions materials & recent profiles. Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

📌

UWF at a Glance

🏆 Full-tuition / full-ride scholarships available (competitive) — see Flagship (Competitive) for National Merit Finalist, Pace Presidential, and Argo Spirit details.

Average Net Price

$8,155

What families actually paid on average (most recent IPEDS)

Automatic Merit

Merit awarded via admissions review & priority deadlines

Use Scholarship Priority Deadline for best consideration

Typical Qualifiers

GPA ~3.4–4.0 • SAT ~1,020–1,230 • ACT ~20–27

Ranges may shift by year & funding

Testing Policy

SAT/ACT considered; strong scores help for top awards

See Official Links to confirm superscore & any updates

Key Deadlines

Scholarship Priority: Dec 1 • Final Admission: Apr 1 • FAFSA (2025–26): by Jun 30, 2026

Use the earlier of admission/scholarship

Honors / Top Scholars

National Merit Finalist • Pace Presidential • Argo Spirit

Perks can include tuition/fees, housing, meals, book stipend, research/study-abroad

Full-Tuition / Full-Ride

Competitive (Merit-based, e.g., National Merit, Pace Presidential, Argo Spirit)

Check stacking limits & coverage caps

Residency & Waivers

Standard Florida in-state vs. nonresident; institutional waivers via scholarship review

Nonresidents should target institutional scholarships to reduce OOS costs

Scholarship GPA/test bands are approximate, based on award text + past recipient data + student profile statistics. Actual thresholds can shift with the year’s applicant pool and funding.
Last verified: October 2025

UWF can be a standout value when you hit the right targets. The university’s top competitions include true full-rides for select students (tuition and mandatory fees, housing, a meal plan, and more). Hitting the priority deadline and presenting strong academics plus involvement is key.

Use this guide to see exactly what’s possible and what it takes. If you’re comparing offers across Florida publics—or want to layer in donor awards—start with our Florida aid overview, then come back here to map UWF’s options line-by-line.

FAQ

Is this college test-optional? UWF still considers SAT/ACT for admissions and scholarships. See official admissions pages for current details.

What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 20–27; SAT 1,020–1,230 for recent entering classes.

What’s the average net price? ~$8,155 (latest IPEDS). Net price varies by income. See our Net Price & SAI guide.

Does this school use reciprocity or nonresident waivers? No broad reciprocity. Nonresident costs can be offset with institutional scholarships/waivers.

Sources:
University of West Florida – Freshman Admission Requirements (uwf.edu)
University of West Florida – Dates & Deadlines (uwf.edu)
University of West Florida – Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid (uwf.edu)
University of West Florida – Scholarships & Awards (uwf.edu)
BigFuture – University of West Florida profile (collegeboard.org)

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of West Florida

Item (per year)	In-State (FL Resident)	Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees*	$6,360	$19,241
Housing & Meals (typical on-campus)	$11,502	$11,502
Total (before any aid)	$17,862	$30,743

*Assumes ~30 credit hours for the academic year (≈15 per term). Figures are UWF’s 2025–2026 estimated direct costs before aid.

Average Net Price: $8,155 (2022–2023, College Scorecard). That’s what families actually paid after scholarships and grants—no loans included. Real costs vary by academics, timing, and stacking rules.

Regional rates & waivers that can lower the price:

Alabama Differential (automatic): Alabama residents pay a reduced rate. Using UWF’s per-credit prices ($641.37 non-resident vs. $316.98 Alabama), that’s about $324.39 less per credit—roughly $9,732/year at 30 credits.
Online Campus Out-of-State Tuition Waiver (apply each term): Non-FL residents in fully online programs receive a 75% waiver of the out-of-state portion of tuition. Example: ≈$329/credit after waiver (resident base + 25% of the non-resident portion + standard online fee), saving about $9,365/year at 30 credits (program permitting).
Academic Common Market (program-dependent, Graduate level only at UWF): For specific graduate majors not offered in your home state, certified students may pay in-state rates. Certification is done through your home-state ACM office before classes begin.

Who qualifies? Alabama residents (automatic differential); out-of-state students in approved fully online programs (waiver, apply each term); and out-of-state students in select ACM-eligible graduate majors (apply through home-state coordinator).

How much could we save? A typical on-campus out-of-state student can save ≈$9,732/year with the Alabama Differential or ≈$9,365/year with the online waiver (30 credits). ACM generally reduces tuition to Florida in-state rates for the approved graduate program.

Is it automatic or do we apply? Alabama Differential is automatic once residency is coded. The online waiver and ACM are application-based with deadlines—submit early each term (waiver) and before the first day of classes (ACM certification).

Sources:
University COA page — Cost of Attendance Estimates (uwf.edu/offices/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/cost-of-attendance-estimates/)
Tuition & Fees (Controller’s Office) — 2025–2026 Tuition Rates PDF (uwf.edu/finance-and-administration/…/2025-2026-tuition-rates.pdf)
Estimated Direct Cost Calculator (uwf.edu/offices/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/estimated-direct-cost-calculator/)
Housing Rates (uwf.edu/academic-engagement-and-student-affairs/departments/housing-and-residence-life/rates-payments-and-agreements/housing-rates/)
Online Campus Out-of-State Tuition Waiver (uwf.edu/finance-and-administration/…/third-party-authorization-and-tuition-waivers/online-tuition-waiver-info/)
College Scorecard — Average Net Price (collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?138354-The-University-of-West-Florida=)
UWF Catalog — Academic Common Market (Graduate) (catalog.uwf.edu/graduate/academicpolicies/enrollment/)

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
UWF Academic Merit (FL) – Tier 1	$3,000/yr	GPA ~3.90+, ACT 28+/SAT 1320+/CLT 88+ & required subscores	No	Yes (3.0 UWF GPA & 24 credits/yr, 8 semesters max)	Top FL admits; honors/AP; excellent test scores	Dec 1
UWF Academic Merit (FL) – Tier 2	$2,000/yr	GPA ~3.80+, ACT 26+/SAT 1230+/CLT 82+ & required subscores	No	Yes	Strong academics, meets all subject minimums	Dec 1
UWF Academic Merit (FL) – Tier 3	$1,000–$1,500/yr	GPA ~3.60+, ACT 23+/SAT 1140+/CLT 75+ & required subscores	No	Yes	Meets all floors for FL merit, solid B+/A- profile	Dec 1
UWF Academic Merit (Non-Res) – Tier 1	$9,000/yr	GPA ~3.90+, ACT 28+/SAT 1320+/CLT 88+ & required subscores	No	Yes (3.0 UWF GPA & 24 credits/yr, 8 semesters max)	Top out-of-state admits, highest academic tier	Dec 1
UWF Academic Merit (Non-Res) – Tier 2	$7,000/yr	GPA ~3.80+, ACT 26+/SAT 1230+/CLT 82+ & required subscores	No	Yes	Good profile, OOS, meets full criteria	Dec 1
UWF Academic Merit (Non-Res) – Tier 3	$5,000/yr	GPA ~3.60+, ACT 23+/SAT 1140+/CLT 75+ & required subscores	No	Yes	Meets OOS floors, solid but not highest test profile	Dec 1

Notes: Award values and eligibility are based on 2025–26 UWF GPA/test bands. Official test scores with required subscores must be received by Dec 1 for priority consideration in all tiers.

Sources:
Freshman Scholarships – https://uwf.edu/offices/financial-aid/scholarships/freshman/
UWF Scholarship Priority Date – Dec 1
Academic Merit Criteria – https://uwf.edu/offices/financial-aid/scholarships/

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

These aren’t automatic—there’s an extra step (invitation, application, or competition) and limited slots. If your student has a strong academic profile plus leadership or service, these can dramatically lower the bill.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
UWF President’s Scholarship Competition (PSC)	Not published; top awards are substantial and multi-year.	High-achieving admitted freshmen; invitation required; rigorous academics, leadership/service, and interview readiness.	Yes — by invitation (register for event per invitation)	Yes — see award letter for terms (typically credit load & GPA)	Honors-level students, ~3.9+ GPA, 28+ ACT / 1320+ SAT, strong interview and service. Only those completing application file by Dec 1 are considered.	Dec 1 (file), event registration per invitation
National Merit Finalist Scholarship (UWF Top Scholars)	Full tuition & fees, housing, meal plan, book stipend, one-time research/study allowance	National Merit Finalist; UWF as first term; submit Finalist proof after admission; must enter UWF that fall	No separate app—send Finalist documentation after admit	Yes — as long as GPA and load requirements are met	National Merit Finalists who send documentation promptly and start first at UWF	No set deadline, but submit after admit and before classes

*Estimates based on confirmed UWF process; award details for PSC are not public. For National Merit, full award details are published online and via offer documentation.

Is PSC invitation-only? Yes. Qualifying applicants receive invites by December; register ASAP if invited. Application file must be complete by Dec 1.

Do competitive awards stack with automatic merit? Often yes, but final package may not exceed total direct costs. Read offer terms closely.

Test-optional vs. competitive awards? PSC requires a broad academic and achievement record—scores help context even if test-optional.

Key deadlines? Dec 1 (file complete for PSC/auto merit); register for PSC event as invited. National Merit has no formal deadline, but submit proof promptly after admission and before classes begin.

Sources:
Freshman Scholarships – https://uwf.edu/offices/financial-aid/scholarships/freshman/
UWF National Merit Finalist – https://uwf.edu/offices/financial-aid/scholarships/national-merit-finalist-scholarship/
PSC/Deadlines – https://uwf.edu/admissions/dates/

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These aren’t the headline awards, but they quietly shave thousands off the bill—especially for students who plug into ROTC, Honors study abroad, or local/donor programs in the UWF Scholarship Portal.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
ACES — Argo Cyber Emerging Scholars (NSF CyberCorps® SFS)	Full tuition (up to 2 yrs) + $25,000/yr stipend (UG); $34,000/yr (Grad) + $6,000 prof. allowance	U.S. citizen; full-time in Cybersecurity, CS, IT, ISR; must serve federally after grad	Yes — ACES/SFS app	Yes (2 years max, SFS rules)	Top cyber majors with government-service intent	Jan 15
Army ROTC Scholarship	Full tuition or up to $10,000/yr room/board + stipend & books	Contracted ROTC cadet; US Army standards	Yes — National ROTC app	Yes (while in good standing)	Leadership and fitness ready cadets, DoDMERB qualified	Oct 27, Jan 19, Mar 4 (national boards)
Pensacola Pledge Scholarship	Up to $2,000/yr (max $8,000)	FTIC; grad from Escambia or Santa Rosa Co. (FL); UWF admit and portal app on time	Yes — Portal + Pledge app	Yes (8 semesters max)	Local grads who apply by deadline, stay full-time	March 1
Hal Crosby Leadership Award	Up to $1,000 (one-time)	Graduating senior; leadership & service	Yes — Student Involvement app	No (senior capstone only)	Senior leaders with long-term service	Apr 1
Linda O. Dye Award (Female Undergraduate Leader)	$500 (one-time)	Senior women; impact and ≥2.5 GPA	Yes — Involvement app	No	Sustained, impactful campus leadership	Apr 1
Kenneth L. Curtis Award (Male Undergraduate Leader)	$500 (one-time)	Senior men; impact and ≥2.5 GPA	Yes — Involvement app	No	Recognized for service, GPA, leadership	Apr 1
Drs. Rashid Future Generation Engineering Scholarship	$1,000–$1,200/yr (split fall/spring)	ECE major; ≥2.5 GPA; first-gen preferred	Yes — ECE/Portal app	Not published	Engineering students, first-gen a plus	Apr 1
Mertis “Sunny” Brown Biology Scholarship	$1,500–$3,000/yr (up to 2 years)	Bio/wild bird focus; Jr/Sr or grad; ≥3.0; faculty project	Yes — Dept. apply (2mo before term)	Yes (max 2 years)	Research-driven, faculty-mentored biologists	Mar 1
Maygarden Family Scholarship (Communication)	Up to $1,000/semester	BA in Communication; ≈3.0+ GPA; departmental select	Yes — Dept. apply	Yes (renew for 1 year)	Departmental, timely, active majors	Mar 1
Annette Claire Bosse’ Memorial Nursing Scholarship	$1,000 Fall + $1,000 Spring ($2,000/yr)	Nursing; veterans/service preference	Yes — College of Health/Nursing	Not published	Service background in health/nursing	Apr 1

Deadlines: UWF Scholarship Portal closes Mar 1–Apr 1 for most aid. ROTC deadlines are national (Oct, Jan, Mar). Most department/college awards finalize by Apr 1.

Sources:
UWF Scholarships – https://uwf.edu/offices/financial-aid/scholarships/
ROTC Deadlines – https://goarmy.com/
Pensacola Pledge – https://uwf.edu/offices/financial-aid/scholarships/pensacola-pledge-scholarship/
UWF Scholarship Portal – https://uwf.academicworks.com/

🎖️ Honors College

UWF’s Kugelman Honors Program is built for curious, high-initiative students who want small seminars, close faculty mentoring, and real-world projects. Admission is selective (you’ll apply and/or be invited based on your record), but the payoff is meaningful: priority touches, a tight academic community, and funding pathways that make distinctive opportunities—like study abroad—actually doable.

What a Typical UWF Honors Student Looks Like

GPA: ~3.9+ (weighted) in a rigorous schedule (AP/IB/AICE/Dual-Enrollment where available)
Test signals (if submitted): ACT 25+ / SAT 1200+ / CLT 83+
Profile: sustained leadership/service, evidence of intellectual curiosity (projects, research, portfolios), and strong writing
Timing: Invitations typically begin in January; reply by May 1 to secure your spot

Perks that matter

Small honors seminars with faculty who know your student by name
Priority touches (advising/registration experiences designed to keep you on track)
Honors study-abroad tuition waiver for designated Honors seminars, plus competitive travel scholarships
Mentored research & leadership pathways tied to UWF’s strengths (cybersecurity, robotics, coastal sciences)

Scholarship / Benefit	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Kugelman Honors — Study Abroad Tuition Waiver (Honors Seminar)	Tuition waived for the specific Honors seminar credits; additional travel scholarships may be available	Active member of the Kugelman Honors Program enrolled in an approved Honors faculty-led seminar abroad	No for waiver (via course); travel scholarships require short form	Per trip (not auto-renewing)	Honors students who plan early, secure a seat, and apply on time	March 1 (spring cycle); varies by seminar
Pace & Argo Honors Scholarships	$2,000–$3,000 (cash)	Active Honors student; high-impact experiences (abroad, research, travel, internships); after Core requirement met	Yes — Honors scholarships app	Per experience (not auto-renewing)	Honors students with a documented plan/timeline	March 1
Honors Tuition Scholarship	Up to $1,000 (tuition waiver)	Active Honors; thesis (course/research in progress)	Yes — Honors app with thesis details	Per thesis term (not auto-renewing)	Honors doing registered thesis research	March 1
Honors Leadership Award	Up to $3,000 (cash)	Active Honors; pursuing leadership training, research, or travel tied to goals	Yes — Honors scholarship app	Per experience (not auto-renewing)	Defined leadership or research travel plan + budget	March 1
Kugelman & Seligman Leadership Scholarships	$500–$1,000 (cash or tuition waiver)	Active Honors; supports leadership, research, travel	Yes — Honors scholarship app	Per experience (not auto-renewing)	Honors students with focused, mentor-supported activity	March 1

Is Honors admission automatic if I’m admitted to UWF? No. Honors is selective; students are invited/considered based on GPA, rigor, and (if submitted) test scores. Invitations typically start in January; reply by May 1 to secure your seat.

Does Honors add time to the degree? No. Honors course sequence is built to fit a standard four-year plan for active students.

When should we apply? Apply to UWF by Dec 1 for the best chance. Honors invitations go out in January; scholarship applications close March 1.

Are there extra $$ beyond the waiver? Yes—Honors advertises competitive travel scholarships and partners with colleges on additional funding each year.

Sources:
Kugelman Honors Program – https://uwf.edu/honors/
Honors scholarships/awards – https://uwf.academicworks.com/
Application cycles – https://uwf.edu/admissions/dates/

⭐ College Specialty

UWF punches above its weight where the Gulf Coast meets high-tech. Families looking for practical, career-ready pathways will find standout programs in cybersecurity, robotics, and coastal sciences—each with real labs, real fieldwork, and pipelines to internships and jobs across Florida and the Southeast.

Spotlight Program: Cybersecurity (Undergrad & Graduate)

Designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity with a Southeast regional hub role—meaning strong employer ties, industry-aligned labs, and funded pathways (including scholarships) that lead directly to cyber jobs and paid federal internships.

Intelligent Systems & Robotics (Ph.D., with IHMC) — Florida’s first Ph.D. in this field, leveraging a research partnership with the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition for cutting-edge AI/robotics projects and mentoring.
Marine Biology & Coastal Environmental Science — Hands-on Gulf Coast access with a dedicated Marine Research Facility, research vessels, diving support, and field-intensive faculty projects.
Maritime Archaeology & Anthropology — Renowned underwater archaeology field schools and coastal heritage research that place students in real digs and museum collaborations.
Business (AACSB-accredited) — An accreditation held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide, signaling rigorous coursework and employer-recognized quality across accounting, analytics, and supply chain.
Nursing & Health Sciences — Clinical placements with major Gulf Coast health systems; strong preparation for licensure and graduate practice.