Education

Top-Ranked Schools Producing Top-Rated Talent

Set yourself apart with skills from one of Northwest Florida’s five universities. In-state tuition at a Florida public college is typically lower than other state with an average of $6,000 for full-time students, with several merit-based scholarships and programs for underprivileged groups. The University of West Florida is ranked in the Top 40 Regional Universities of the South and has been recognized as a Gold-Level University in the large school category from Military Friendly Schools.

Take Your Career Next-Level

If you’re looking to advance your career or even switch careers, Northwest Florida’s continuing education programs offer a variety of pathways. Several technical colleges like Locklin in Santa Rosa County and the Florida Panhandle in Washington County help students gain marketable skills in the Northwest Florida’s burgeoning cybersecurity, manufacturing, logistics and aerospace industries. Not sure where to start? Northwest Florida Career Pathways is a valuable resource to explore salaries and job expectations for potential careers within the region.

Beyond Book-Smarts

Northwest Florida school districts are preparing students for more than a standard high school diploma. In 2022, Okaloosa School District ranked as Niche’s #3 Best School District in Florida, offering multiple Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs which allow students to earn certification in in-demand skilled trade professions while still in school. Funding from Triumph Gulf Coast, a regional economic development initiative, allowed for Franklin County School to offer several CTE programs. The school district’s unmanned aerial systems program accounted for 1,000 students achieving field certification in just five years.

Several alternative schools in Pensacola, Panama City and Fort Walton Beach also meet the needs of students at every learning level, including Jubilee Christian Academy and Rising Leaders.