MVRC Accolades and Accomplishments
Military Friendly® School
UWF Received a Gold Rating on the List of Military Friendly Schools.
The University of West Florida has been recognized as a gold-level University in the large public school category in the annual Military Friendly® Schools list for 2023-2024. UWF earned the gold distinction for success in helping veterans make the transition from the military to school and, ultimately, rewarding civilian careers. This marks the fifth year UWF has received a designation from Military Friendly. Military Friendly Schools recognizes colleges and universities that demonstrate positive education outcomes for veterans and their families.
Best for Vets Colleges
Military Times announced its 2022 Best for Vets College Rankings, and UWF is ranked 22 out of more than 300 in the nation. The rankings factor in the most comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military students' success rates. The detailed survey requires schools to meticulously document a tremendous array of services, special rules, accommodations and financial incentives offered to military and veteran students and to describe many aspects of veteran culture on a campus. Best for Vets provides service men and women a gauge by which to judge whether a school or degree program will truly benefit them. The rankings factored in service member enrollment, percentage of tuition covered by the GI Bill®, and availability of specific programs to help service members.
Purple Heart
In August 2015, UWF was sponsored by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 566, Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties for the designation of “Purple Heart University.” To be designated a “Purple Heart University,” UWF has demonstrated exceptional commitment in support of all veterans and families attending UWF. More specifically, this designation officially recognizes UWF’s dedication and support honoring veterans who were wounded in combat while serving their country and who are now pursuing their academic degrees as an Argonaut. Additionally, a proclamation: honoring the sacrifice and courage of all veterans who were wounded in combat while serving their county, and pledging UWFs continued support of combat-wounded veterans, was signed by the then President of UWF, Dr. Judith Bense.
Yellow Ribbon Program
The University of West Florida (UWF) has been awarded the ability to be a participating member of the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011. UWF has voluntarily entered into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. This agreement is part of the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive this funding.
If eligible, the Post-9/11 GI Bill® pays up to the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition and fees. You may have tuition and fees that exceed that amount if you are in an out-of-state status. UWF will pay 50% of the amount above the maximum allowed by the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and the VA will pay the remaining 50%.
To confirm your eligibility and apply for the Yellow Ribbon Program contact the Veteran Services Office at mvrc@uwf.edu, 850-474-2250.
