University of West Florida Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Paying for UWF shouldn’t feel like decoding fine print. This parent-first guide pulls together the real numbers (tuition, housing, average net price) and the awards UWF actually uses—automatic merit tiers, selective competitions, ROTC, and Honors—so you can see what’s realistic and what it takes. If you’re a Florida family, start with our state aid guide, then explore more options in the College Scholarships Hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of West Florida
| Item (per year) | In-State (FL Resident) | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees* | $6,360 | $19,260 |
| Housing (typical on-campus) | $6,366 | $6,366 |
| Meals (standard plan) | $5,136 | $5,136 |
| Total (before any aid) | $18,074 | $31,404 |
*Assumes ~30 credit hours for the academic year (≈15 per term). Figures are UWF’s 2025–2026 estimated direct costs before aid.
- Alabama Differential (automatic): Alabama residents pay a reduced rate. Using UWF’s per-credit prices ($642 non-resident vs. $317 Alabama), that’s about $325 less per credit—roughly $9,750/year at 30 credits.
- Online Campus Out-of-State Tuition Waiver (apply each term): Non-FL residents in fully online programs may qualify for a waiver that brings the net online rate to about $341.67/credit (vs. $648.37). That’s ≈$9,200/year in savings at 30 credits, program permitting.
- Academic Common Market (program-dependent, Graduate Level only): For specific majors not offered in your home state, certified students may pay in-state rates at UWF. 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 majors (apply through home-state coordinator).
How much could we save? A typical on-campus out-of-state student can save ≈$9,750/year with the Alabama Differential or ≈$9,200/year with the online waiver (30 credits). ACM generally reduces tuition to Florida in-state rates for the approved 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).
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UWF Academic Merit (Florida Residents) | $1,000–$3,000/yr (tiered) | HS GPA + qualifying test with required subscores (ACT/SAT/CLT). Priority date: Dec 1. | No (automatic with admission & on-time file) | Yes — up to 8 consecutive semesters; maintain 3.0 UWF GPA & 24 credits/yr | Clear tiers published: e.g., ~3.60+ & ACT 23+/SAT 1140+/CLT 75+ ($1k–$1.5k), ~3.80+ & ACT 26+/SAT 1230+/CLT 82+ (~$2k), ~3.90+ & ACT 28+/SAT 1320+/CLT 88+ (~$3k). |
| UWF Academic Merit (Non-Residents) | $5,000–$9,000/yr (tiered) | HS GPA + qualifying test with required subscores (ACT/SAT/CLT). Priority date: Dec 1. | No (automatic with admission & on-time file) | Yes — up to 8 consecutive semesters; maintain 3.0 UWF GPA & 24 credits/yr | Clear tiers published: e.g., ~3.60+ & ACT 23+/SAT 1140+/CLT 75+ ($5k), ~3.80+ & ACT 26+/SAT 1230+/CLT 82+ ($7k), ~3.90+ & ACT 28+/SAT 1320+/CLT 88+ ($9k). |
Notes: Award ranges reflect UWF’s published GPA/test tiers. UWF requires minimum composite scores and specific subject subscores. CLT = Classic Learning Test. Awards depend on available funds and meeting priority dates.
Do we need test scores if we applied test-optional? Yes — these automatic merit awards require qualifying ACT/SAT/CLT scores with the required subscores; submit scores by the priority date to be considered.
Can these stack with other aid? Generally yes with Bright Futures and most private scholarships, up to the cost of attendance (direct charges first). Departmental/ROTC awards often stack; check caps and exclusions.
Is the Alabama Differential a scholarship? No — it’s a special tuition rate for Alabama residents (see Cost of Attendance). You 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 our guide: National Merit. Details appear in the Competitive section below.
Does UWF superscore? Yes. UWF superscores the SAT/ACT, so sending multiple test dates lets them use your best section scores. For automatic merit, you still must meet UWF’s published 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? These awards require qualifying ACT/SAT/CLT scores (with the required subscores). Submit official scores by the priority date to be considered.
Do subscores really matter? Yes. UWF notes that certain subject-area scores are required in addition to your composite. A missed subscore can keep you from a tier even if your composite meets it—send all test sittings so your best section scores can count.
🏆 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UWF President’s Scholarship Competition (PSC) | Amounts are announced at the competition; top awards are substantial, multi-year. (UWF does not publicly post exact dollar figures.) | High-achieving admitted freshmen; invitation required to attend the on-campus competition. Limited seats each cycle. | Yes — by invitation (then register for the event). Invitations typically go out in winter; event date is published each year. | Yes — terms/amounts vary by specific award; confirm in the offer letter. | *Estimate: Honors-level students with rigorous coursework; ~3.9+ GPA and ~28+ ACT / 1320+ SAT or higher; strong leadership/service and interview readiness.* |
| National Merit Finalist Scholarship (UWF Top Scholars) — see National Merit | Comprehensive package: tuition & mandatory fees, on-campus housing, meal plan, book stipend, plus a one-time research/study-abroad allowance. | Confirmed National Merit Finalist enrolling at UWF as first term institution; submit finalist documentation after admission. | No separate app — provide Finalist proof per UWF instructions. | Yes — see award terms (credit load/GPA conditions apply). | Students officially recognized as National Merit Finalists who designate UWF and complete all steps on time. |
*Estimates are provided where UWF does not publish exact cutoffs; use as guidance for competitiveness only. Always follow the current year’s instructions and dates.
Is PSC invitation-only? Yes. UWF invites a subset of admitted freshmen each year and seats are limited. Watch your email in winter and register promptly if invited.
Do competitive awards stack with automatic merit? Often yes, but the package may be adjusted so that total gift aid does not exceed direct costs. Read the offer letter for stacking rules.
Test-optional vs. competitive awards? PSC and other competitive processes prioritize overall academic rigor and achievements. Submitting strong ACT/SAT/CLT scores can help for merit context even if admission was test-optional.
Key deadlines? Automatic merit priority is typically Dec 1; PSC invitations/registration follow in winter; National Merit Finalists should submit documentation as soon as available. Always verify the current cycle’s 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.
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.
🎖️ 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.
- 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
- 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 the waiver (via course enrollment); travel funds typically require a short application | Per trip (not auto-renewing) | Honors students who plan early, secure a seminar seat, and submit travel-aid paperwork on time |
| Pace & Argo Honors Scholarships | Minimum $2,000 up to $3,000 (cash) | Active Kugelman Honors student; funds approved high-impact experiences (study abroad, summer research, conference travel, internships) | Yes — Honors scholarships application (eligible after completing Honors Core requirement[s]) | Per experience (not auto-renewing) | Honors students with a documented plan/timeline for an approved experience |
| Honors Tuition Scholarship | Up to $1,000 (tuition waiver) | Active Kugelman Honors student conducting research for the Honors thesis (course/thesis work in progress) | Yes — Honors application with thesis details | Per thesis term (not auto-renewing) | Honors students actively registered for thesis research needing tuition offset |
| Honors Leadership Award | Up to $3,000 (cash) | Active Kugelman Honors student pursuing leadership training, research, or travel tied to academic/leadership goals | Yes — Honors scholarships application with activity plan/budget | Per experience (not auto-renewing) | Honors students with a defined leadership/training or research travel plan and budget |
| Kugelman & Seligman Leadership Scholarships | $500–$1,000 (cash or tuition waiver) | Active Kugelman Honors student; supports leadership training, research, and travel | Yes — Honors scholarships application | Per experience (not auto-renewing) | Honors students proposing a focused activity with faculty/mentor support |
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. Follow the instructions in your invite and reply by May 1.
Does Honors add time to the degree? No. Honors coursework is designed to fit within a standard four-year plan when you stay on sequence.
When should we apply? Apply to UWF early in the cycle. Honors invitations typically begin in January; respond quickly to secure advising/registration advantages.
Are there extra $$ beyond the waiver? Yes. Honors advertises competitive travel scholarships and partners with Admissions/colleges on merit opportunities; watch your UWF Scholarship Portal for cycles and criteria.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
If your student is eyeing UWF, the path to an affordable degree is straightforward: line up the real costs, aim for the automatic merit tiers (send scores by the priority date), and layer in competitive opportunities like PSC or National Merit when eligible. Don’t sleep on the quiet money—ROTC, local donor funds (Pensacola Pledge), departmental awards in the portal, and the Honors study-abroad tuition waiver can close the gap fast. Out-of-state families should also check the Alabama Differential, online program waiver, and program-specific ACM. Put it together, and UWF can be a very workable four-year plan without guesswork.
✅ Last updated: September 9, 2025