As Northwest Florida’s regional university, UWF serves many students with substantial financial need, a need that is often not met by other forms of financial aid. Almost 7,000 UWF students apply for federal financial aid, and almost 1,000 of UWF students are first-generation college students. Private support can have a tremendous effect on individual students and, in turn, Northwest Florida.

The opportunity to pursue and receive a bachelor’s degree is more than a benefit to the student—it is a benefit for society as well. Today, a bachelor's degree is worth more than $1 million in lifetime earnings and leads to increased tax revenues, a decrease in public assistance programs, a lower unemployment rate and increased voting, volunteering and other civic activities (The Institute for Higher Education Policy and Scholarship America, 2004).

Funding Priorities:

• Need- and merit-based endowed scholarships for students in all academic programs
• Endowed scholarships for students majoring in high need areas as identified by the State of Florida, including teacher education, engineering and nursing
• Additional scholarships for student athletes
• Scholarships to support UWF students who study abroad, enabling them to gain a greater understanding of global cultures and economies

Impact of Support...by 2010:

• An additional 250 UWF students in the College of Professional Studies, College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business will be provided with opportunities through endowed scholarships.
• The ARGO Scholars Program, a partnership with Pensacola High School and the community, will annually provide full-ride scholarships at UWF and a study abroad experience to a cohort of PHS students who have overcome financial and personal barriers.
• UWF students from Okaloosa County will benefit from new and additional educational opportunities through the Combs School UWF/ Okaloosa County School District partnership.
• New scholarship funds will assist with the recruitment and retention of students in high need areas such as elementary and secondary education, nursing and engineering.