UWF enrollment exceeds 15,000 students

The University of West Florida has achieved a historic milestone, surpassing 15,000 students enrolled for the first time in the University's 58-year history. To date, enrollment has reached 15,601 for the Fall 2025 semester, marking a 5% increase over last year and exceeding the University's goal of 15,200 students by 3%.

"Surpassing 15,000 students is a historic moment for the University and a clear signal of the confidence students and families have in the value of a UWF education," said UWF Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. "This achievement reflects not only the strength of our programs and the dedication of our faculty and staff, but also the powerful partnerships that expand pathways for students and strengthen the future of our region and beyond."

This increase in enrollment can be seen at all academic levels, including a 4% increase in undergraduate students, 8% increase in graduate students and 7% increase in non-degree seeking students. Some of the most notable expansions in enrollment include new transfer students up by 14%, returning first-time-in college students up by 10% and returning graduate students up by 11%.

Much of the growth in transfer students comes from UWF's top feeder institutions - Pensacola State College, Gulf Coast State College and Northwest Florida State College. This surge in enrollment highlights the strength of UWF's ongoing partnerships and commitment to expanding seamless transfer pathways and 2+2 articulation agreements.

First-time-in-college enrollment also saw a slight increase thanks to a deliberate part of UWF's strategic enrollment planning. UWF continues to use data-informed strategies to ensure the new freshman admitted are well-prepared to excel at UWF.

The rise in student enrollment is a reflection of UWF's sustained efforts to improve retention and graduation rates, reinforcing UWF's commitment to student success.

For more information on the University of West Florida, visit uwf.edu.