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University of West Florida vs Flagler College: which has better ROI?

Public, Pensacola FL · vs · Private nonprofit, Saint Augustine FL

The verdict

University of West Florida has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $37,456 in 48.2 years versus 108.7 years at Flagler College, on median earnings of $49,137 vs $49,483 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of West FloridaFlagler College
Net price / yr$9,364$30,525
Total net cost$37,456$122,100
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,137$49,483
Median debt$16,624$24,250
Payback48.2 yrs108.7 yrs
20-year net return-$21,916-$99,640

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of West Florida or Flagler College?

University of West Florida, at $9,364 a year after aid versus $30,525 — a gap of $21,161 a year, or $84,644 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of West Florida or Flagler College graduates earn more?

Flagler College graduates report a median $49,483 ten years after entry, $346 more than the $49,137 at University of West Florida. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of West Florida or Flagler College?

University of West Florida: its completers carry a median $16,624 in federal loans versus $24,250 at Flagler College, a difference of $7,626. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

59% of students finish at University of West Florida, against 56% at Flagler College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of West Florida vs Flagler College: frequently asked questions

Is University of West Florida or Flagler College a better value?
University of West Florida. It clears its $37,456 net cost in about 48.2 years versus 108.7 years at Flagler College, on median earnings of $49,137 vs $49,483 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of West Florida or Flagler College?
University of West Florida: $9,364/yr net price after aid versus $30,525/yr at Flagler College — a difference of $21,161 a year, or about $84,644 over four years.
Do University of West Florida or Flagler College graduates earn more?
Flagler College graduates earn a median $49,483 ten years after entry, versus $49,137 at University of West Florida — a $346 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.