The University of West Florida (UWF) has shown significant improvement in recent years, according to the Florida Board of Governors’ performance-based funding metrics. In the first year (2016) of the metrics, UWF ranked at the bottom with only 57 points. The next year, the university jumped to 82 points.
In the 2023-24 performance-based funding model, UWF earned a total of 84 points out of 100, which is two points higher than the previous year.
1. Florida International: 96
2. University of Florida: 92
3. Tie-Florida State, South Florida: 89
5. Central Florida: 85
6. Tie-University of West Florida, Florida Atlantic: 84
8. North Florida: 76
9. Florida Poly: 74
10. FAMU: 72
11. New College: 71
12. Florida Gulf Coast: 63
UWF received the most available points (10) in six metrics:
• Percent of Bachelor’s Graduates Employed and/or Continuing their Education Further 1 Yr after Graduation
• Median Average Wages of Undergraduates Employed 1 Yr after Graduation
• Net Tuition & Fees per 120 Credit Hours
• Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded in Areas of Strategic Emphasis (includes STEM)
• Graduate Degrees Awarded in Areas of Strategic Emphasis (includes STEM)
• Board of Trustees’ Choice
The university ranked in the top three among all Florida State University System institutions in three metrics.
UWF has excelled in several important areas:
1. High-Impact Practices: UWF earned high marks in Metric 10, which measures the percentage of baccalaureate graduates completing two or more types of high-impact practices. The university increased to 60.6%, well above the 51% benchmark for excellence.
2. Graduate Employment and Wages: More than 79% of bachelor’s graduates are employed or furthering their education one year after graduation, ranking UWF 2nd in the Florida State University System for Metric 1.
- UWF graduates earned a median wage of $53,000 in 2021-22, setting a new record for the university and increasing by $4,200 from the previous year.
3. Academic Progress: UWF achieved its highest academic progress rate in university history, with an 83.5% second-year retention rate for students with a GPA above 2.0.
PERFORMANCE-BASED FUNDING METRICS
Florida’s State University System uses a Performance-Based Funding (PBF) model to evaluate and fund its public universities. This model, established by the Florida Board of Governors in 2014, assesses institutions based on 10 key metrics.
WHY IT MATTERS: The PBF model ties state funding to these metrics, with universities evaluated on both excellence and improvement in each area. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, the State University System of Florida Board of Governors allocated $645 million based on these metrics.
- The model aims to drive continuous improvement across the state’s higher education system and reward universities for their performance. It ensures that Florida’s universities remain competitive, focused on student success, and aligned with the state’s strategic educational and economic goals.
METRICS:
PODCAST INTERVIEW: DR. MARTHA SAUNDERS
When the 2023-24 scores were published, I interviewed UWF President Dr. Martha Saunders. She believed the strong performance in the Florida Board of Governors’ metrics secure UWF’s position among the state’s top-performing institutions.
- “Our journey from ranking at the bottom in 2016 with 57 points to now achieving 84 points out of 100 reflects our unwavering commitment to student success,” said Saunders. “This improvement didn’t happen by chance – it’s the result of strategic initiatives and dedication from our entire university community.”
She highlighted several areas where UWF has achieved particular distinction, earning perfect scores in six critical metrics. “We’re especially proud of our employment outcomes,” she noted. “More than 79% of our bachelor’s graduates are either employed or pursuing further education within a year of graduation, ranking us second in the entire state university system.”
The president emphasized the significant increase in graduate earnings, with UWF alumni now commanding a median wage of $53,000 in their first year after graduation – a $4,200 increase from the previous year. “This record-setting figure demonstrates the real-world value of a UWF degree.”
The university has also made substantial strides in student retention, achieving its highest academic progress rate in its history. “Our 83.5% second-year retention rate for students maintaining a GPA above 2.0 shows that our support systems are working,” said Saunders. “We’re not just admitting students; we’re helping them succeed.”
- Looking ahead, Saunders remains optimistic about UWF’s trajectory. “Our perfect scores in areas of strategic emphasis, including STEM fields at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, position us well for the future,” she stated. “We’re not just meeting state metrics; we’re preparing students for the jobs and challenges of tomorrow.”
She added, “Every point we gain in these metrics represents real improvements in student outcomes,” Saunders concluded. “That’s what drives us to continue pushing forward.”
