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Public, 4-year

Northwest Florida State College

Niceville, Florida · www.nwfsc.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$10,612

In-state $2,583

Peer median $11,384

Undergraduates

4,752

Student-faculty ratio 22:1

Peer median 19 : 1

“Peers” are all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is a dynamic institution located in Niceville, Florida, serving the educational needs of the community since its establishment in 1963. The college is known for its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education to students from diverse backgrounds. NWFSC offers a wide range of programs, including associate degrees, technical certificates, and workforce development initiatives, catering to the growing demand for skilled professionals in various fields. The college's motto, "Empowering Lives, Inspiring Futures," reflects its dedication to student success and community enrichment.

The college boasts a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities that foster a strong sense of community among its students. NWFSC's state-of-the-art facilities include modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, and dedicated spaces for arts and athletics, providing an enriching environment for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. The college also emphasizes the importance of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, ensuring that every student has the resources needed to thrive. With a strong focus on career readiness, Northwest Florida State College prepares its graduates for successful futures, making significant contributions to the local workforce and economy.

Analysis of Tuition Trends and Student Enrollment

The data from Northwest Florida State College reveals several noteworthy trends regarding tuition and student enrollment. Over the years, there has been a gradual increase in in-state tuition for undergraduate students, rising from $3,064 in 2014 to $3,246 in 2023. This represents a percentage increase of approximately 5.93% over this period. Conversely, the out-of-state tuition peaked at $12,067 from 2018 to 2022 and saw a decrease to $11,752 in 2023, suggesting a potential strategy to attract more out-of-state students by making education more affordable.

In terms of student enrollment, the data indicates a significant decline in the number of undergraduate students, dropping from 6,938 in 2013 to 4,898 in 2023. This decline of about 29.3% raises concerns about the institution's ability to maintain a vibrant academic community. The decrease in enrollment may be attributed to various factors, including increased competition from online education, demographic shifts, and possibly the rising costs associated with higher education.

Additionally, the student-to-faculty ratio has shown a fluctuating trend, with the ratio standing at 21 in 2023 compared to 27 in 2013. A lower student-to-faculty ratio often correlates with a higher quality of education, as it allows for more personalized attention for students. However, it is vital for the college to address the diminishing enrollment numbers alongside maintaining this favorable ratio.

The gender distribution among undergraduates has also shown a notable trend. In 2023, approximately 60.4% of undergraduate students were female, compared to 39.6% male. This trend reflects broader societal changes regarding gender demographics in higher education, where females are increasingly outnumbering males.

In conclusion, while the college has managed to slightly increase in-state tuition and retain a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, the significant drop in enrollment is a pressing issue that needs addressing. The institution may need to explore strategic initiatives to bolster student recruitment and retention, alongside maintaining affordability and quality education.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a midsize city
Nearest major city
Pensacola, about 45 mi
Nearest international airport
Pensacola International Airport (PNS), about 45 mi
Niceville, Florida
Also known as
NWFSC
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Mel Ponder (President)
Phone
8506785111
City
Niceville, Florida
Address
100 College Boulevard E., Niceville, FL 32578-1295

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition

Nursing School#589▲35

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate9039 international (1.0%)
Bachelor's1641 international (0.6%)
Top 5 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other
53
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
39
Purchasing, Procurement/Acquisitions and Contracts Management
32
Elementary Education and Teaching
21
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
19

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Trends at Northwest Florida State College

The graduation data from Northwest Florida State College in 2023 reveals significant trends across various fields of study, particularly in the realms of business, healthcare, and education. Notably, the Business Administration programs have produced the highest number of graduates at the bachelor's level, with 56 students completing their degrees. This suggests a strong interest in business-related fields, which aligns with the increasing demand for skilled professionals in various sectors, especially in the post-pandemic economy.

In the healthcare sector, the Registered Nursing program also stands out, with 53 graduates, highlighting the ongoing need for qualified healthcare professionals. The rise in healthcare needs, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the importance of training and retaining skilled nurses to meet community demands.

Conversely, several fields, particularly in technology, engineering, and the arts, show a concerning lack of graduates. Programs such as Architectural Technology and Computer Engineering Technology reported no graduates at the bachelor's level, which could indicate a potential gap in workforce readiness for these critical industries. The absence of graduates in these areas may also reflect the challenges that educational institutions face in attracting and retaining students in STEM fields.

Furthermore, international students account for a minimal percentage of graduates in most programs, with only a handful in business and healthcare. This could reflect broader trends in international education or the impact of visa regulations, which may influence foreign students' decisions to study in the United States.

Overall, Northwest Florida State College's graduation data highlights both successes and areas for improvement, particularly in diversifying program offerings and enhancing recruitment strategies to meet evolving workforce demands.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Liberal arts has 701 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$30,544
Health professionshas 141 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.-
Physical Therapy Assistant.-
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).$52,954-$54,469
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer.$52,954-$54,469
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$60,967-$81,085
Businesshas 107 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Business Administration and Management, General.$50,534
Purchasing, Procurement/Acquisitions and Contracts Management.$50,534
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other.$50,534
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.-
Hospitality Administration/Management, General.-
Educationhas 45 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Elementary Education and Teaching.$41,422
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.$41,422
Computer and information sciencehas 41 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Information Technology.-
Computer Programming/Programmer, General.-
Computer Graphics.-
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Physical Fitness Technician.-
Engineering technologieshas 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General.-
Culinary has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/Manager.-
Legal professionshas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.-
Visual and Performing artshas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Music Technology.-

Students

4,752 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 41:59

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (4,752)

White
2,998 · 63.1%
Hispanic
623 · 13.1%
Two or more races
347 · 7.3%
Black
344 · 7.2%
Unknown
223 · 4.7%
Asian
141 · 3.0%
International
39 · 0.8%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
29.4%
18–19
20.3%
20–21
11.8%
22–24
9.4%
25 and over
29.0%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Northwest Florida State College in 2023

In 2023, Northwest Florida State College showcases a diverse student body with an interesting distribution across various classifications. The data reveals that the institution has a higher enrollment of undergraduate seniors compared to freshmen and transfer students. Specifically, there are 2,267 undergraduate seniors, accounting for a significant portion of the student population, while there are 669 freshmen and 213 transfer students.

Gender representation varies notably within each category. For instance, among freshmen, the male-to-female ratio is relatively balanced with 46.5% male and 53.5% female students. However, this balance shifts as we look at the upperclassmen, where only 38.1% of undergraduate seniors are male, and among transfer students, the male percentage drops further to 36.6%. This trend suggests a potential retention issue among male students, particularly as they progress through their academic journey.

The racial and ethnic breakdown of students also provides insights into the college's demographics. While the specific detailed data for seniors and transfer students is not available, the freshmen cohort includes a notable number of White students, who make up 47.5% of that group. This statistic reflects a broader trend seen in many colleges across the United States, where White students often represent a significant portion of the student body.

As institutions continue to prioritize diversity and inclusion, monitoring these statistics will be essential for understanding enrollment trends and addressing any disparities that may arise in gender and racial representation. The data indicates that while there is a healthy mix of students, attention must be given to ensure that all groups are supported throughout their educational experiences.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Northwest Florida State College

The data from Northwest Florida State College reveals intriguing insights into the age demographics of its student body for the year 2023. The largest age group represented is those under 18, with 1,358 students, comprising nearly 39% of the total student population. This suggests that the college plays a significant role in catering to younger learners, possibly offering dual enrollment programs or attracting high school graduates.

As we move through the age brackets, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment. The second-largest group is aged 18-19, with 997 students, which is about 28% of the total. However, as students progress in age, the numbers taper off considerably. For instance, the 20-21 age group has 562 students, while those aged 22-24 and 25-29 drop to 522 and 522, respectively. This trend implies that older students may either be less inclined to pursue traditional higher education or are choosing alternative educational pathways.

Interestingly, the institution appears to have no graduate students in any age category, highlighting a potential area for growth in attracting advanced learners. The data also shows that the college serves a diverse range of ages, with students as old as 65, albeit in very small numbers.

In conclusion, the age composition of students at Northwest Florida State College indicates a strong focus on younger demographics, suggesting a need for strategic initiatives to engage older students and potentially expand graduate offerings. This data aligns with broader trends in higher education, where institutions are increasingly seeking to accommodate a diverse student population across various age groups.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.8%

39 in 2025 · 0.4% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.4%2017: 0.5%2018: 0.6%2019: 0.8%2020: 0.8%2021: 0.8%2022: 0.9%2023: 0.7%2024: 0.8%2025: 0.8%
2016Peer median 0.8%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Northwest Florida State College

The data from Northwest Florida State College reveals a noteworthy trend in the enrollment of international students over the years, particularly at the undergraduate level. Starting from 2004, the number of international students was relatively low, with only 34 students enrolled, representing 0.47% of the total undergraduate population. However, there has been a significant fluctuation in these numbers.

In the years that followed, the percentages of international students exhibited both increases and decreases, reaching a peak of 0.85% in 2022, which indicates a growing recognition of the value that international perspectives bring to the academic environment. The highest number of international students was recorded in 2020, with 42 students, when the percentage soared to 0.84%. This uptick could correlate with global trends in education, where many institutions are increasingly seeking to diversify their student bodies.

Interestingly, the subsequent years show a slight decline in the total number of undergraduate students, which could affect the international student population. Despite this, the proportion of international students remains relatively robust, suggesting that Northwest Florida State College is maintaining its appeal to students from abroad, even in a competitive landscape.

Overall, the data reflects a dynamic and evolving landscape for international education at the college, indicating a growing acceptance and integration of international students into the academic community. It will be important for the institution to continue fostering this environment, as global education trends continue to evolve in the post-pandemic era.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$20,062

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$10,612
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$2,583
Room and board
$9,450
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $23,440 · all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose -11% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 6%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$77.3M

Government grants and contracts
$50.2M65.0%
Tuition and fees
$8.1M10.4%
Gifts and private grants
$5.2M6.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.9M2.4%
Investment return
$678K0.9%
Sales and services of educational activities
$139K0.2%
Other
$11.1M14.3%

Expenses$72.7M

Instruction
$29.1M40.1%
Institutional support
$15.6M21.4%
Scholarships
$7.2M9.9%
Student services
$6.5M9.0%
Academic support
$5.2M7.2%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.6M3.5%
Public service
$2.2M3.0%
Other
$4.3M6.0%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$56,771peers $66,438
Professor
$67,821peers $76,496
Assistant professor
$58,843peers $60,685

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division I MENWOMEN
Baseball28-
Basketball1313
Softball-19
2024
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Baseball28-
Basketball1313
Softball-18
2023
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Baseball28-
Basketball1314
Softball-20

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable institutions near Northwest Florida State College:

  1. Florida State University - Ranked 53rd in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its vibrant campus life and strong academic programs across various disciplines.

  2. University of Florida - With a ranking of 28, this comprehensive university is one of the leading research institutions in the country, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  3. Auburn University - Ranked 93rd, Auburn is known for its commitment to academic excellence, research opportunities, and a spirited community.

  4. Emory University - This highly regarded university ranks 24th and is known for its emphasis on research, liberal arts education, and strong health sciences programs.

  5. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Ranked 33rd, this institution is renowned for its engineering and technology programs, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

  6. Tulane University of Louisiana - With a ranking of 73, Tulane is celebrated for its strong liberal arts curriculum and community engagement.

These institutions provide diverse educational opportunities, making the area around Northwest Florida State College a hub of academic excellence.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.7 · all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Northwest Florida State College

The crime data at Northwest Florida State College reveals a generally positive trend in campus safety over the years. From 2013 to 2014, there were no reported incidents, which continued until 2016, indicating a strong security presence or effective preventative measures during this period.

However, in 2017, the college experienced a slight increase in crime, with three incidents reported, translating to a crime rate of 0.52 per 1,000 students. This spike was followed by a decrease in 2018 and 2019, where the crime rates dropped to 0.17 and 0.18, respectively. Such fluctuations could suggest that while occasional incidents may occur, overall crime remains relatively low.

2020 saw a small uptick again, with a rate of 0.44, but this was still manageable compared to many other institutions. The data from 2021 shows a significant reduction, with only 0.04 incidents per 1,000 students, and 2022 and 2023 reported no incidents at all, indicating a return to a very safe environment.

It is crucial for educational institutions to maintain transparent reporting of crime statistics to ensure student safety and foster a secure learning environment. The overall trend at Northwest Florida State College is encouraging, reflecting a commitment to safety and community well-being. Continuous efforts in crime prevention and safety measures will be vital in maintaining this positive trajectory.

For further understanding of how these crime rates are calculated, you can refer to the following link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Northwest Florida State College include Alan Ritchson (Actor; played Aquaman on Smallville), Kedrick Brown (Former professional basketball player and coach) and Donell Taylor (Former professional basketball player).

More alumni (2, by field)

Sports

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.