University of West Florida

The University of West Florida is a 4-year, public university in Pensacola, Florida. The University of West Florida offers more than 55 undergraduate degree programs, 32 master's degrees, one specialist degree, and three doctoral degree programs.

The University of West Florida sits on 1,600 acres. Besides their main campus, they also have a second location on the Emerald Coast in Fort Walton Beach, FL. They have also created classes at Historic Pensacola Village.

University of West Florida Veteran & Military Support Programs

UWF offers the following veteran and military support programs:

• University of West Florida is a GI Bill® approved school
• Has a Student Veterans of America chapter
• Offers credit for military experience
• Awards credit for the CLEP, and DSST exams
• Approved for Tuition Assistance
• University of West Florida is a Yellow Ribbon school
• University of West Florida is a MyCAA approved school

Unique Veteran Offerings at the UWF

The University of West Florida hosts the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program. Entrepreneurship is a viable next career path as the experience and discipline learned in the military provides a competitive edge for starting a business and this program helps veterans to explore that path.

For military using Tuition Assistance to pay for an undergraduate education at UWF -  The tuition only portion of the course cost is currently $143.95 per semester hour for most undergraduate courses not including fees.  The University has authorization to waive the fees for military students using federal military TA. As a consequence, the only course cost to the service member taking undergraduate courses would be course specific fees such as a lab fee, if any.

About University of West Florida

There are more than 12,500 students, with 110 majors, minors, certificates, and graduate programs in their five colleges.

The colleges are the Colleges of:

• Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
• Business
• Education and Professional Studies
• Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering
• Usha Kundu, MD College of Health

The University of West Florida was ranked #21 in Best Colleges for Veterans and #36 in Regional Universities South by U.S. News and World Report.

The university has also been recognized as a Gold-Level University in the large public school category from Military Friendly Schools. 

History of The University of West Florida

In 1963, the Florida legislature allocated funds to develop UWF, and the school was founded. Then, in 1967, the school opened up as an upper division school. In 1968, they had their first commencement ceremony with 58 students.

In 1969, they added their first master’s programs. They were in english, elementary education, and history. In 1979, they organized into a traditional structure with the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, and the College of Education. 

In 2006, they added a new Health, Leisure, and Sports facility, and in 2010, a new Science and Engineering facility.

Message from UWF

From its founding in 1963, the University of West Florida (UWF) has purposefully chosen to be different by design and maintains that intention today.

UWF has grown into a vibrant, distinctive institute of higher learning. UWF has successfully expanded its nationally recognized undergraduate, graduate and targeted research programs, including programs offered fully online. Dedicated to helping students realize their full potential, UWF favors small classes with fully qualified teacher-scholars who deliver personalized, innovative, hands-on learning and provide leadership opportunities.

Veteran-related Scholarships at the University of West Florida

All of the scholarships below have specific military or veteran criteria. 

Brigadier General and Mrs. Michael L. Ferguson Scholarship for Military Veterans and Sons and Daughters of Military Veterans

Multiple Recipients, $1,500

The Details: This scholarship is for eligible UMF students who are enrolled in College of Business courses. They will receive $1,500, $750 each semester. Students need to be military veterans or the son or daughter of a deceased active duty, or retired veteran. Students will also need to show leadership capability and a commitment to service. 

The Deadline: May 

Website for more information and to apply for the scholarship: link

Buzz and Larue Ambersley Scholarship

Multiple Recipients, Up to $3,000 per semester 

The Details: This scholarship is for dependents of a non-commissioned officer, veteran, deceased service member, or active duty. Students must also be a resident of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa or Walton counties. 

The Deadline: Varies 

Website for more information and to apply for the scholarship: link

Navy Federal Credit Union Scholarship

Multiple Recipients, $1,760

The Details: This scholarship is for students who are military veterans, dependents, or active duty service members. Preference will be given to students who are Navy Federal Credit Union members for at least three years. The award is $1,760, $880 every semester. 

The Deadline: May 

Website for more information and to apply for the scholarship: link