2025-2026 UWF Freshman Viewbook

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At the University of West Florida, you can find your now and fuel your future.

UWF is one of Florida's top three public universities,* with a size that offers personalized attention from professors who know your name.

Here, you'll find rigorous but accessible academic programs in a friendly, supportive environment, where innovation is just as valued as tradition. Here, education is affordable, with generous scholarship opportunities and in-state tuition that hasn’t increased in over a decade.

Here, you'll find a campus surrounded by the serenity of nature, with a close-knit community driven to succeed together.

Discover for yourself why students say being here feels like home.

*Florida Board of Governor's State University System performance-based rankings, 2025.

Above: A UWF Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering graduate celebrates with photos at the main entrance to UWF.

YOU MAKE IT

Happen HERE,

Get more than a degree. Get results. Your university education should be the experience of a lifetime and support your success. Go beyond the status quo with opportunities like:

• Undergraduate research your first year, whatever your major.

• Study abroad programs plus resources to help you prepare.

• The Kugelman Honors Program, designed for ambitious students who love an intellectual challenge.

• Industry and peer mentoring programs for one-on-one guidance and support.

Background: The UWF Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Baja team demonstrates its off-road vehicle at the Pensacola Maker Faire. The team of mechanical engineering students competes against other institutions at engineering events. Top Right: The All Majors Career and Internship Fair.

Career prep support

UWF supports students’ professional success throughout their education and after graduation. Resources include:

• Career and major exploration and coaching.

• Online Career Readiness Module for new Argos.

• Access to experiential learning opportunities.

• Career fairs and events like Argos Meet the Pros. uwf.edu/Career

$54,000 MEDIAN WAGES ONE YEAR AFTER UWF GRADUATION

— UWF 2025 Accountability Plan, 2022-2023 bachelor’s graduates employed full-time

CAREER-READY By graduation, more than 68% of Argos have completed at least two high-impact practices like internships and study abroad. uwf.edu/HIP

Center Stage

uwf.edu/Programs

TOP 10 MAJORS

1. Nursing (Pre-BSN)

2. General Business

3. Biomedical Sciences

4. Psychology

5. Marine Biology

6. Mechanical Engineering

7. Biology

8. Exercise Science

9. Computer Science

10. Criminal Justice

— Most popular majors among Summer/Fall 2025 admitted freshmen “

I was so impressed to see that the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business is AACSB accredited.* Scholarships from the college are helping fund my dream of obtaining my degree and opening my own event planning business. ”

— Kailey, Comprehensive Marketing, ’26

STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

UNDECIDED?

Take a free assessment to discover your interests and match your goals to a UWF degree plan. uwf.edu/Focus2Career

Argos are prepared to succeed

It's no wonder that nursing is the top program of interest for new Argos. Last year, more than 97% of UWF School of Nursing graduates passed their national licensure exam on the first attempt,* exceeding state and national averages. Expert teaching, immersive simulation labs, and health provider partnerships supported these students in becoming knowledgeable professionals.

*National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN, 2024)

We know that cost is an important factor in your college decision. At UWF, affordability begins with in-state tuition that hasn't increased in over a decade. And before you even apply, you can use our Cost Calculator to estimate your cost and potential aid. uwf.edu/Costs

$11M OFFERED IN GIFT AID 90% OF NEW STUDENTS WERE OFFERED AID $9,620 AVERAGE TOTAL OF GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS FRESHMAN FINANCIAL AID (Awarded 2024-2025)

Star t with the FAFSA

If you’ve got what it takes to be an Argo, we want to work with you to make your college education more affordable. To be considered for a financial aid offer, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You're encouraged to complete the FAFSA each year regardless of Florida Bright Futures eligibility, other tuition coverage, and income.

Some scholarship opportunities require the FAFSA, and some students have qualified for nonrepayable aid to help cover expenses beyond tuition, like transportation and supplies.

The 2026-2027 FAFSA is scheduled to open Oct. 1, 2025. For the strongest aid consideration, complete the FAFSA and any verification requirements by Feb. 15, 2026 StudentAid.gov | UWF school code: 003955

ESTIMATED FIRST-YEAR COSTS BEFORE FINANCIAL AID

Based on 2025-2026 costs for fall/spring semesters. Costs are subject to change.

a30 credit hours of tuition and fees bShared Suite (Martin/Pace Halls: $3,183/semester) cArgo 15 plan: 15 meals/week + $300 Dining Dollars ($2,568/semester); other options available.

ARGO 30 GUARANTEE

The Argo 30 Guarantee is UWF’s commitment to ensuring access to higher education. Incoming freshmen who are Florida residents, full-time, Pell Grant-eligible as determined by the FAFSA, and earning their first undergraduate degree can qualify for up to 30 credit hours of tuition coverage—meaning no out-of-pocket costs for fall and spring tuition. About 43% of incoming freshmen qualified this past year. uwf.edu/Argo30

Merit scholarships

UWF's Admissions Academic Merit Scholarships* are based on your application. To be considered, you must complete your freshman application file with all required items by Dec. 1, 2025. UWF must receive your official test scores and Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS) Record by this date. These scholarships are awarded over four years.

uwf.edu/FreshmanScholarships

ACADEMIC MERIT SCHOLARSHIP CONSIDERATION*

4.00+ 1400+ 31+ 101+ $16,000 $16,000 $32,000

3.80-3.99 1260-1390 27-30 89-100 $12,000 $12,000 $24,000

3.70-3.79 1160-1250 24-26 79-88 $8,000 $8,000 $8,000

aCumulative weighted bSAT Total cACT Composite dCLT

Full-ride scholarships

Each full-ride scholarship* covers tuition, campus housing, a meal plan, and $800 per semester for books. Pace and National Merit also include a one-time paid research or study abroad experience (up to $1,500).

PACE PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Select Florida resident students will compete at the President’s Scholarship Competition. Scoring is based on an interview and essay. Qualifying students who meet the Dec. 1, 2025, Scholarship Priority Consideration Deadline will receive an invitation in December.

NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST SCHOLARSHIP

Incoming freshman National Merit Finalists qualify.

ARGO SPIRIT SCHOLARSHIP

This competitive scholarship is for Pell-eligible, first-time-in-college, Florida resident students who have shown strength of character, or “Argo Spirit,” by overcoming obstacles, fighting for something important, or making an impact while in high school. The application includes a written essay and video essay. Students must be admitted with a completed FAFSA and Argo Spirit Scholarship application by March 1, 2026.

*Eligibility does not guarantee an award. Admissions can award students only one academic merit or full-ride scholarship; scholarships may not be combined. Academic Merit Scholarship amounts reflect four-year cumulative maximum awards. Pace Presidential Scholarship benefits are covered in conjunction with Florida Bright Futures; students who do not receive the Pace Presidential Scholarship will maintain their original merit scholarship. Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree will not receive priority scholarship consideration. Some scholarships are renewable pending continued, verified eligibility; others are one-time awards.

HS GPAa SATb ACTc CLTd FLORIDA ALABAMA OUT OF STATE

Opportunity HERE, YOU CAN UNLOCK

Maximize funding consideration in three steps: First, meet the Dec. 1 Scholarship Priority Consideration Deadline, and then complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA once it opens in October. After admission, apply for UWF Foundation Scholarships by June 1.

Because of financial aid, I can focus on my studies without added stress.”

— Nevaeh (left), Legal Studies, ’27

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Dec. 1

SCHOLARSHIP PRIORITY CONSIDERATION DEADLINE

Through the generous support of alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and others, UWF is able to offer Admissions Foundation Scholarship opportunities for students starting in the summer or fall. Admitted freshmen should complete the general scholarship application by June 1, 2026, in the UWF Scholarship Portal. Guidelines for other UWF Foundation Scholarships listed in the portal may vary.

Every UWF student has the opportunity to build lifelong connections in the campus community. Find your fit in one of 130+ student organizations. Grow your leadership skills in student government. Cheer on the football team at PenAir Field. All along the way, other Argos will be right there with you, helping you make the most of your journey.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Meet other students who share your interests. Student organization types include:

• Advocacy or service

• Faith or belief-based

• Honor society

• Special interest

• Professional or academic

• Fraternity or sorority

• Sport club

Clockwise from top: Homecoming Court is presented at Cannon Fest in October 2024; Argos take to PenAir Field; UWF SGA members attend a football tailgate.

14,500+

STUDENTS + 101K ALUMNI

We build champions for life

Anything we do, we do with everything we’ve got. That’s the Argo way. UWF fields eight women’s and seven men’s teams. Their spirit of “arete” (are-uh-tay) — Greek for excellence — has brought home 130 conference championships and 11 national championships.

GoArgos.com

Explore HERE, YOU CAN

Beautiful beaches. A vibrant downtown. In Pensacola, you’ll always be an idea away from your next adventure. Paddleboard with friends. Study on the beach. Hike any of the nearby state parks, or celebrate Mardi Gras at the downtown parade. Here, your college experience will be anything but boring.

Get to know Pensacola

In the heart of downtown, the UWF Historic Trust manages a collection of museums and properties known as Historic Pensacola, as well as the Pensacola Museum of Art, where UWF students receive free entry. Pensacola also has its own symphony, ballet, opera, and community theatre, and is home to the:

• U.S. Navy Blue Angels

• American Magic sailing team practice site

• Pensacola Ice Flyers-Southern Professional Hockey League

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos Minor League Baseball

CHAT WITH UWF STUDENTS

Learn about life at UWF and in Pensacola on the free ZeeMee app, where current students share their experiences. Follow the University of West Florida community, and get your questions answered in the Ask A Current Student chat. There’s even an exclusive chat for admitted students.

uwf.edu/ZeeMee

Top: An aerial view of downtown Pensacola. Bottom: A student post on ZeeMee. Right: Graphic design major Cole works on a project. Background: Pensacola Beach.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA

#7 of “Best Small Cities in the U.S.” — Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards, 2024 One of “America’s Best Cities” — WorldsBestCities.com, 2025

DRIVING DISTANCES FROM CAMPUS

I love that UWF is close to the water. Being in nature helps me thrive as an artist.”

— Cole, Graphic Design, ’26

COASTAL BEAUTY

UWF is 30 minutes from the sugar-white sands of Pensacola Beach, a Top 20 Florida beach. — TripAdvisor, 2025

Uniqueness

BLOOMS HERE

Like you, UWF's campus has that one-of-a-kind spark. Nestled among the pines and along waterways, UWF features modern facilities amid a beautiful landscape featuring a bayou, a community garden, and miles of trails. Discover for yourself the serenity and adventure of an outdoor playground just steps away from classes. uwf.edu/Visit

I toured this school with my brother and loved the campus. That plus a short distance from home sealed the deal!

— Aaliyah (right), Biochemistry, ’27

CAMPUS FACTS

1,600

ACRES OF CAMPUS

20+ MILES OF TRAILS

Above: Students walk from the UWF Connection Deck. Top right: A climber scales The Rec's 36-foot climbing wall. Bottom right: Students canoe along Thompson Bayou.

Schedule your tour!

Experience UWF's campus

Discover UWF for yourself with an in-person or virtual tour to learn more about the resources and amenities available to students, including UWF's 105,000-square-foot recreation facility, the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, and the Argo Galley Game Room.

uwf.edu/CampusTour

For more campus experiences beyond the tour, stick around to:

• Walk the half-mile Edward Ball Nature Trail overlooking Thompson Bayou, where students can use canoes checked out from the Rec Center.

• View new displays at The Art Gallery (TAG).

• Explore the Archaeology Institute's exhibits.

• Play a round on the disc golf course.

• Walk through the Camellia Garden or Community Garden.

ADMISSIONS EVENTS | uwf.edu/AdmissionsEvents

FALL: NOV. 15 | SPRING: APRIL 18

EXPLORE UWF! OPEN HOUSE

Experience the UWF community firsthand at this on-campus open house. Register to meet us there!

uwf.edu/Explore

MONTHLY ARGO INFO

Join these live virtual sessions to learn about academics, student life, admissions, and financial aid.

uwf.edu/ArgoInfo

A community centered around you

• Transportation support. While classes are in session, the UWF trolley provides rides across campus, as well as to Argo Village and select nearby stores — no tickets needed! Students can reach additional locations using the Escambia County Area Transit's Bus Route 43.

• University Police. UWF’s sworn police force conducts daily security checks and provides a 24/7 safety escort service and on-call support to help ensure community safety.

• Guardian App. On or off campus, the app provides rapid and proactive communication with UWF police, friends, and family.

• Counseling and Psychological Services. UWF offers therapy services to help students manage, cope, and grow with the stress associated with school and life.

• StormReady. UWF has met rigorous standards to become a National Weather Service-designated StormReady University.

DID YOU KNOW?

UWF scholarships can be applied to on-campus housing.

SHARED EXPERIENCES

Witness your own historical events with other students who live on campus. This past winter, UWF experienced a record-breaking snowfall of nearly 10 inches!

Thrive HERE IS WHERE YOU

Living on campus puts you in the center of a community designed for you, with conveniences you won't find anywhere else. Freshmen may live on or off campus, but living on campus puts you steps away from classes, the library, and special events for campus residents. Our residence staff genuinely care about your success and are here to help you make a smooth transition to college life.

uwf.edu/Housing

I chose UWF because it was a welcoming environment that I felt inspired me to be the best version of myself. Living on campus my first two years of college helped me meet some of my closest friends and introduced me to lots of different involvement opportunities.”

— Emma, Elementary Education, ’26

Above: Students walk from John G. Martin Hall. Top left: A Heritage Hall shared bedroom. Bottom left: An Argo enjoys the snow on campus in January 2025.

Big Things START HERE

We know your grades say a lot about your college potential. That’s why there’s no essay, recommendation letter, or résumé needed to apply. Once you submit your application, you’ll receive a checklist of items to complete it, including official test scores and your Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS) Record. Start your journey today.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

AUGUST APPLICATIONS OPEN

DEC. 1

SCHOLARSHIP PRIORITY CONSIDERATION DEADLINE

Start early to allow time to send test scores and academic records. All high school seniors should use the freshman application regardless of college credit.

OCT. 15

DECISIONS BEGIN

Earliest possible Fall 2026 admission date for freshman applicants. After, decisions take about two weeks.

UWF must receive all required application items by this date to consider you for an academic merit scholarship. Test scores received after Dec. 1 won’t affect scholarship consideration but can positively influence an admissions decision.

FRESHMAN CLASS SNAPSHOT*

34% OF INCOMING FRESHMEN HAVE DUAL ENROLLMENT CREDIT

— Enrolled students for Summer/Fall 2025

APRIL 1 APPLICATION DEADLINE

MAY 1

The Fall 2026 freshman application closes. UWF must have received all required application items by this date to consider you for admission.

1020-1220

TOTAL 20-27 COMPOSITE 3.57-4.21 AVERAGE GPA 48-69

TOTAL

CONFIRMATION DEADLINE

If you have been admitted or offered a scholarship, be sure to confirm by May 1.

Review these and other important dates: uwf.edu/Deadlines Application guidance: uwf.edu/ApplicationResources

Academic programs

UNDERGRADUATE

MAJORS

Accounting, BSBA

Anthropology, B.A.

Art, B.A.

Art History

Pre-Art Therapy

Studio Art

Arts, Fine, BFA

Biology, B.S.

General Biology

Biology Teaching, B.A.

Biomedical Sciences, B.S.

Business, General BSBA

Chemistry, B.A. & Chemistry, B.S.

Chemistry

Chemistry/Biochemistry

Chemistry Teaching

Civil Engineering, B.S.

Clinical Laboratory Sciences, B.S. Clinical Laboratory Sciences

MLT to MLS

Communication, B.A.

Advertising, Public Relations, & Social Media

Communication Studies

Digital Storytelling & Journalism

Computer Engineering, BSCE

Computer Science, B.S.

Construction Management, B.S.

Criminal Justice, B.A.

Cybersecurity, B.S.

Earth & Environmental Science Teaching, B.A. Economics (Business), BSBA

Comprehensive Economics

Global Economics

Education, Elementary, B.A.

Elementary Education Certification

Education, Exceptional Student & Elementary, B.A.

Exceptional Student & Elementary

Education Certification

Education, Music, BME

Electrical Engineering, BSEE Engineering Technology, B.S. English, B.A.

Literature

Writing

Entry-Level Respiratory Therapy, B.S.

Environmental Science, B.S.

Environmental Management

Natural Science

Exercise Science, B.S. Finance, BSBA

Financial Management

Financial Planning

General Studies, BGS

Culture, Health & Society

Integrative Studies

Global Hospitality & Tourism, B.S.

Graphic Design & Digital Media, BFA

Graphic Design & Digital Media

Illustration

Sport Coaching & Physical Education, B.S. Fitness & Sport Coaching

Physical Education/Teacher Education

Health Sciences, B.S.

Behavior Analysis

Health Care Administration

Health Sciences

History, B.A

Human Resource Management, BSBA

Humanities, Interdisciplinary, B.A.

Arts Administration

Information Technology, B.S.

Instructional Design & Technology, B.S.

International Studies, B.A.

Legal Studies Pre-Law, B.A. Management, BSBA

Management Information Systems, BSBA

Marine Biology, B.S.

Maritime Studies, B.A. Marketing, BSBA

Comprehensive Marketing

Global Marketing

Sales Management

Mathematics, B.S.

Mathematics Teaching, B.A. Mechanical Engineering, BSME

Music, B.M.

Music Performance

Music & an Outside Field, B.A. Nursing, BSN BSN

R.N./BSN Philosophy, B.A. Physics, B.S. & Physics, B.A. Engineering Physics

Physics

Physics Teaching

Political Science, B.A. Political Science

Pre-Law

Psychology, B.A. & Psychology, B.S. Public Health, B.S. Sciences, Interdisciplinary, B.S.

Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary, B.A. Children & Society

Community Education

Social Work, BSW

Software Development, B.S.

Sport Management, B.S.

Supply Chain Logistics Management, BSBA

Theatre, B.A. Theatre, BFA

Musical Theatre

Acting Design & Technology

MINORS

Accounting

Africana Studies

Aging Studies Interdisciplinary

Air and Space Studies

(Air Force ROTC)

Anthropology

Art

Athletic Sport Coaching

Biology

Business

Business Economics

Business Intelligence

Chemistry

Child Welfare

Computer Engineering

Computer Science

Construction Management

Criminal Justice

Data Processing and Management

e-Business

Economic Policy

Education, Early Childhood

Education, Professional

Electrical Engineering

English

Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation

Environmental Science

PROGRAM FINDER

Explore all programs by type, college, interest, and location.

uwf.edu/Programs

Environmental Sustainability

Finance

Forensic Studies

General Communication

Geographic Information Science

Global Hospitality and Tourism Management

Graphic Design

Health Promotion

History

Information Security Management

Information Systems

Administration

Interdisciplinary Sciences

Interdisciplinary Writing International Studies

Juvenile Justice

Latin American Studies

Leadership Communication

PLANNING TO TRANSFER?

Management

Management Information

Systems

Maritime Studies

Marketing

Marketing Applications

Mathematics

Mechanical Engineering

Medical Humanities

Military Science (Army ROTC)

Music Network Administration

Philosophy

Physics

Political Science

Pre-Law/Legal Studies

Pre-Law/Political Science

Psychology

Public Administration

Quantitative Economics

Social Welfare

Sociology

Spanish Sport and Exercise

Psychology

Sport Management

Statistics

Strategic Communication for the Sciences

Substance Abuse

Theatre

If you’re considering starting at another institution and then transferring to UWF, we encourage you to do two things:

Join a Transfer Pathway Program your first semester. The program helps you begin earning your UWF bachelor’s degree while pursuing your A.A. at a community or state college. You’ll receive personalized guidance and have guaranteed admission to UWF when you complete your A.A. at a Florida College System institution.

uwf.edu/Pathways

To maximize your first-year choices, apply anyway. When you complete your UWF application by the Dec. 1 Scholarship Priority Consideration Deadline and complete financial aid requirements by Feb. 15, you’ll position yourself for the best possible offer from UWF. This will let you compare UWF’s cost and value.

uwf.edu/Apply

UWF offers classes through various delivery methods, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online. Though we make every effort to provide on-campus classes in face-to-face programs, there is a possibility that some classes will have limited availability and may be offered online only. Specialized admissions program. Accelerated bachelor’s to master’s option available. Available at UWF Emerald Coast. Students pursuing certain programs full-time will have to take classes periodically in Pensacola. Also online: Required upper-division courses also available online. Students may need to complete some lower-division courses at another institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of approved accrediting agencies provided in the UWF Catalog. Online only: Required upperdivision courses online. Students may need to complete some lower-division courses at another institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of approved accrediting agencies.

B.A., Bachelor of Arts; BFA, Bachelor of Fine Arts; BGS, Bachelor of General Studies; B.M., Bachelor of Music; BME, Bachelor of Music Education; B.S., Bachelor of Science; BSBA, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; BSCE, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering; BSEE, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering; BSME, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering; BSN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; BSW, Bachelor of Social Work.

Cover: UWF students walk from the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business complex.

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