Head-to-head comparison
University of West Florida vs Palm Beach Atlantic University: which has better ROI?
Option A Pensacola, FL
University of West Florida
- Net price / year
- $9,364
- Earnings, 10 years
- $49,137
- Payback
- 48.2 yrs
Option B West Palm Beach, FL
Palm Beach Atlantic University
- Net price / year
- $28,354
- Earnings, 10 years
- $49,232
- Payback
- 130.1 yrs
University of West Florida has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $37,456 in 48.2 years versus 130.1 years at Palm Beach Atlantic University, on median earnings of $49,137 vs $49,232 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of West Florida | Palm Beach Atlantic University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,364 | $28,354 |
| Total net cost | $37,456 | $113,416 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,137 | $49,232 |
| Median debt | $16,624 | $22,500 |
| Payback | 48.2 yrs | 130.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$21,916 | -$95,976 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, University of West Florida or Palm Beach Atlantic University?
University of West Florida, at $9,364 a year after aid versus $28,354 — a gap of $18,990 a year, or $75,960 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
The short answer
Do University of West Florida or Palm Beach Atlantic University graduates earn more?
Palm Beach Atlantic University graduates report a median $49,232 ten years after entry, $95 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.
The short answer
Which leaves students with less debt, University of West Florida or Palm Beach Atlantic University?
University of West Florida: its completers carry a median $16,624 in federal loans versus $22,500 at Palm Beach Atlantic University, a difference of $5,876. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
The short answer
Which graduates more of its students?
59% of students finish at University of West Florida, against 55% at Palm Beach Atlantic University. 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.