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University of West Florida: John C. Pace Library, University of West Florida
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College · Catholic life on campus

University of West Florida

  • LocationPensacola, FL
  • Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 14,371 students
Official website
Campus Ministry Honor Roll badge

University of West Florida is not a Catholic college. This rating measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes.

The University of West Florida's Catholic campus ministry, Catholic Campus Ministries (known as the Catholic Argos), is provided by the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and hosted at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, next to the university. Its site lists weekday and Sunday Masses at the parish, Saturday confession, a Wednesday Faith Night, men's and women's groups, and a discipleship mentoring program.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 5

  • Saturday4:00 PMNativity of Our Lord Catholic Church
  • Sunday8:00 AMNativity of Our Lord Catholic Church
  • Sunday11:00 AMNativity of Our Lord Catholic Church
  • Sunday4:30 PMNativity of Our Lord Catholic Church (Catholic Argos Mass)
  • Monday–Friday8:30 AMNativity of Our Lord Catholic Church

Confession 2

  • Saturday9:00 AMNativity of Our Lord Catholic Church · Runs until 10:30 AM; other confessions by appointment.
  • Monday5:30 PMNativity of Our Lord Catholic Church · First Monday only; runs until 6:30 PM.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 12, 2026.

Sources for these times (2)
  1. Parish Finder | Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahasseeptdiocese.org/parishfinder · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Saturday: 4:00 PM”
    The diocese's listing for Nativity of Our Lord Parish shows a Saturday Mass at 4:00 PM.
    “Catholic Argos Mass Daily Mass Schedule MonFri 8:30 AM”
    The diocese's listing for Nativity of Our Lord Parish shows a Sunday Mass schedule including a Catholic Argos Mass at 4:30 PM, and a daily Mass schedule Monday to Friday at 8:30 AM.
    “Catholic Argos Mass Daily Mass Schedule MonFri 8:30 AM”
    The diocese's listing for Nativity of Our Lord Parish shows a Sunday Mass schedule including a Catholic Argos Mass at 4:30 PM, and a daily Mass schedule Monday to Friday at 8:30 AM.
    “Catholic Argos Mass Daily Mass Schedule MonFri 8:30 AM”
    The diocese's listing for Nativity of Our Lord Parish shows a Sunday Mass schedule including a Catholic Argos Mass at 4:30 PM, and a daily Mass schedule Monday to Friday at 8:30 AM.
    “Catholic Argos Mass Daily Mass Schedule MonFri 8:30 AM”
    The diocese's listing for Nativity of Our Lord Parish shows a Sunday Mass schedule including a Catholic Argos Mass at 4:30 PM, and a daily Mass schedule Monday to Friday at 8:30 AM.
  2. Confession | Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Churchnativityofourlordcc.org/confession · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Confession Times Monday: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM First Monday only Saturday: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Confessions are available at any time by appointment.”
    Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church lists confession on the first Monday of the month and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 10:30 AM, and by appointment.
    “Confession Times Monday: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM First Monday only Saturday: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Confessions are available at any time by appointment.”
    Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church lists confession on the first Monday of the month and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 10:30 AM, and by appointment.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of University of West Florida, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 mi0.5 mi1 miNativity Roman Catholic Church: 0.6 mi1Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church (home of Catholic Campus Ministries): 0.7 miUniversity of West Florida (campus)N0.5 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Nativity Roman Catholic Church — 0.6 mi · 9945 Hillview Drive Road, Pensacola

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Catholic life scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

ACatholic life on campus: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Catholic life on campus

87 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic campus ministry serving this campus (Catholic center, campus ministry, or chaplaincy)Yes
    Sources (2)
    1. College Campus Ministries | Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahasseeptdiocese.org/college · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Catholic Campus Ministries (CCM) at UWF and the Catholic Student Union (CSU) at FSU”
      The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee lists Catholic Campus Ministries (CCM) as the Catholic campus ministry at the University of West Florida and links to it.
    2. About | Catholic Campus Ministries (Catholic Argos)catholicargos.com/about-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Ultimately, our ministry is provided by the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. Our Director/Chaplain is appointed by the local Bishop”
      The ministry states that it is provided by the diocese and that its director and chaplain is appointed by the bishop.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (The campus ministry's Upper Room is a dedicated room inside Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, which the ministry's history describes as adjacent to the university.)
    Sources (2)
    1. About | Catholic Campus Ministries (Catholic Argos)catholicargos.com/about-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Catholic outreach to the campus began with the establishment of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church on property adjacent to the University in 1972.”
      The ministry's history states that Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church is on property adjacent to the university.
    2. Faith Night | Catholic Campus Ministriescatholicargos.com/faithnight · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our upper room is located at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church inside the Main Office and Religious Education building.”
      The ministry's Upper Room is located inside the parish's main office and religious education building.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryPart-time or shared priest (The diocese's Mass schedule lists Masses at the ministry's host parish, which indicates priest service at least part-time. The ministry's director is a religious sister, listed as interim.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Parish Finder | Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahasseeptdiocese.org/parishfinder · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Catholic Argos Mass Daily Mass Schedule MonFri 8:30 AM”
      The diocese's listing for Nativity of Our Lord Parish shows a Sunday Mass schedule including a Catholic Argos Mass at 4:30 PM, and a daily Mass schedule Monday to Friday at 8:30 AM.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministryEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Mass Monday through Friday at 8:30 AM at Nativity of Our Lord, the church that hosts the ministry.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Parish Finder | Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahasseeptdiocese.org/parishfinder · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Catholic Argos Mass Daily Mass Schedule MonFri 8:30 AM”
      The diocese's listing for Nativity of Our Lord Parish shows a Sunday Mass schedule including a Catholic Argos Mass at 4:30 PM, and a daily Mass schedule Monday to Friday at 8:30 AM.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Sunday Mass at the campus ministry or a campus chapelTwo or more weekend Masses (Saturday 4:00 PM and Sunday 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM (Catholic Argos Mass) at Nativity of Our Lord, as listed by the diocese.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Parish Finder | Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahasseeptdiocese.org/parishfinder · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Catholic Argos Mass Daily Mass Schedule MonFri 8:30 AM”
      The diocese's listing for Nativity of Our Lord Parish shows a Sunday Mass schedule including a Catholic Argos Mass at 4:30 PM, and a daily Mass schedule Monday to Friday at 8:30 AM.
      “Saturday: 4:00 PM”
      The diocese's listing for Nativity of Our Lord Parish shows a Saturday Mass at 4:00 PM.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Saturday confession 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Nativity of Our Lord. The diocese's listing shows Saturday 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM instead; the parish's own page is used, and the conflict is noted in gaps.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Confession | Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Churchnativityofourlordcc.org/confession · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Confession Times Monday: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM First Monday only Saturday: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Confessions are available at any time by appointment.”
      Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church lists confession on the first Monday of the month and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 10:30 AM, and by appointment.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic student groups and missionary outreach (e.g., FOCUS, Saint Paul's Outreach, Knights of Columbus, Bible studies)Two or more (Men's Group and Women's Group, both listed by the ministry.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Men's + Women's Group | Catholic Campus Ministriescatholicargos.com/men-women-group · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “men's + women's groups are for you!”
      The ministry offers men's and women's small groups for students, with separate Men's Group and Women's Group information.
    2. Women's Group | Catholic Campus Ministriescatholicargos.com/womensgroup · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “When: 1st and 3rd Thursdays starting this Fall.”
      The Women's Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays starting in fall 2026.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Small groups (men's and women's) and a discipleship mentoring program.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Men's + Women's Group | Catholic Campus Ministriescatholicargos.com/men-women-group · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “men's + women's groups are for you!”
      The ministry offers men's and women's small groups for students, with separate Men's Group and Women's Group information.
    2. Discipleship Mentoring | Catholic Campus Ministriescatholicargos.com/discipleship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Monthly one-on-one sessions with a mentor.”
      The Discipleship Mentoring Program includes monthly one-on-one sessions with a mentor.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 1 mile of campusComputed from OpenStreetMap church locations.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration6 to 11 times a week (11 weekly times documented: 9 Mass, 2 confession, 0 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • The ministry lists weekday Mass, Saturday and Sunday Masses, and Saturday confession at the parish that hosts it next to campus.
    Sources (3)
    1. Parish Finder | Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahasseeptdiocese.org/parishfinder · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Catholic Argos Mass Daily Mass Schedule MonFri 8:30 AM”
      The diocese's listing for Nativity of Our Lord Parish shows a Sunday Mass schedule including a Catholic Argos Mass at 4:30 PM, and a daily Mass schedule Monday to Friday at 8:30 AM.
    2. Confession | Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Churchnativityofourlordcc.org/confession · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Confession Times Monday: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM First Monday only Saturday: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Confessions are available at any time by appointment.”
      Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church lists confession on the first Monday of the month and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 10:30 AM, and by appointment.
    3. About | Catholic Campus Ministries (Catholic Argos)catholicargos.com/about-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Catholic outreach to the campus began with the establishment of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church on property adjacent to the University in 1972.”
      The ministry's history states that Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church is on property adjacent to the university.
  • The ministry lists men's and women's groups, a Wednesday Faith Night, and a discipleship mentoring program.
    Sources (3)
    1. Faith Night | Catholic Campus Ministriescatholicargos.com/faithnight · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Every Wednesday at 6:33 PM for dinner followed by a gathering in the Upper Room for prayer, discussion, and fun!”
      Faith Night is held every Wednesday at 6:33 PM with dinner and a gathering in the Upper Room.
    2. Men's + Women's Group | Catholic Campus Ministriescatholicargos.com/men-women-group · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “men's + women's groups are for you!”
      The ministry offers men's and women's small groups for students, with separate Men's Group and Women's Group information.
    3. Discipleship Mentoring | Catholic Campus Ministriescatholicargos.com/discipleship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Monthly one-on-one sessions with a mentor.”
      The Discipleship Mentoring Program includes monthly one-on-one sessions with a mentor.

Concerns

  • The director is a religious sister, listed as interim.
    Sources (1)
    1. Staff and SLT | Catholic Campus Ministriescatholicargos.com/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sr. Susan Francis Graham, ASCJ interim Director of Campus Ministry 850-477-3221 ex. 307”
      Sr. Susan Francis Graham, ASCJ, is listed as interim Director of Campus Ministry, with a phone number.
  • The diocese's confession listing for Saturday differs from the parish's own confession page.
    Sources (1)
    1. Confession | Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Churchnativityofourlordcc.org/confession · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Confession Times Monday: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM First Monday only Saturday: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Confessions are available at any time by appointment.”
      Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church lists confession on the first Monday of the month and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 10:30 AM, and by appointment.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church (home of Catholic Campus Ministries)

  • Address: 9945 Hillview Drive, Pensacola, FL 32514
  • Location: Next to campus
  • Distance from campus: 0.7 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
  • Facilities: Catholic Argos Upper Room, parish church, main office

View on map ↗

Source: catholicargos.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026, catholicargos.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026, catholicargos.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

7 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 1 off campus, 6 location not published

Other 2

  • Diocesan 50th Anniversary self-guided pilgrimageOff campus
    Through November 5, 2026
    Self-guided pilgrimage to every parish and mission in the diocese, with a passport offered by the ministry.
    catholicargos.com
  • Upper Room study and prayer space
    Room for study, prayer, and community, reserved through the ministry.
    catholicargos.com

Faith formation 2

  • Faith Night
    Wednesdays at 6:33 PM
    Weekly dinner followed by prayer, discussion, and fellowship in the Upper Room; topics vary.
    catholicargos.com
  • Discipleship Mentoring Program
    Monthly one-on-one sessions; goals set each semester
    Mentoring program with monthly one-on-one sessions and spiritual reading.
    catholicargos.com

Clubs and groups 2

  • Men's Group
    Small group for men students, listed with the Women's Group.
    catholicargos.com
  • Women's Group
    1st and 3rd Thursdays
    Small group for women students, starting in fall 2026.
    catholicargos.com

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Catholic Argos Mass
    Sundays at 4:30 PM
    Sunday Mass listed as the ministry's Mass at Nativity of Our Lord.
    ptdiocese.org

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Catholic campus ministry

Sources (3)
  1. College Campus Ministries | Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahasseeptdiocese.org/college · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Catholic Campus Ministries (CCM) at UWF and the Catholic Student Union (CSU) at FSU”
    The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee lists Catholic Campus Ministries (CCM) as the Catholic campus ministry at the University of West Florida and links to it.
  2. About | Catholic Campus Ministries (Catholic Argos)catholicargos.com/about-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Ultimately, our ministry is provided by the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. Our Director/Chaplain is appointed by the local Bishop”
    The ministry states that it is provided by the diocese and that its director and chaplain is appointed by the bishop.
    “Catholic outreach to the campus began with the establishment of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church on property adjacent to the University in 1972.”
    The ministry's history states that Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church is on property adjacent to the university.
  3. Faith Night | Catholic Campus Ministriescatholicargos.com/faithnight · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church 9945 Hillview Drive Pensacola, FL 32514”
    The ministry lists its meeting location as Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 9945 Hillview Drive, Pensacola, FL 32514.
    “Our upper room is located at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church inside the Main Office and Religious Education building.”
    The ministry's Upper Room is located inside the parish's main office and religious education building.

Reach out

Contact details for Sr. Susan Francis Graham, ASCJ (Interim Director of Campus Ministry) and the campus ministry are available to signed-in users.

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Academic Excellence

CAcademic Excellence: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
60 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.59%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.89%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,138 · ACT 23.5
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.22 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$6,911

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
9,661
Total students14,371
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$9,364
Cost of attendance (per year)$19,947
Median federal debt at graduation$16,624
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
59%
First-year retention89%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$49,137
Admission rate58%
Students receiving Pell grants33%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1138
SAT reading & writing520–630
SAT math500–600
ACT composite20–27
Test policyRequired

Value index: 68 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Local Church

Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee

The Most Reverend William Wack, Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: usccb.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Diocese determined from the county using NCES Catholic school records. Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

  • IPEDS unit ID 138354
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (larger programs)
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

Questions families ask

Is University of West Florida a Catholic college?
No. University of West Florida is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Catholic Campus Ministries (Catholic Argos).
What is University of West Florida’s Catholic Life Score?
80 out of 100 (grade A). It measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes, together with academics.
Where is Mass celebrated at University of West Florida?
Mass is listed at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church and Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church (Catholic Argos Mass). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is University of West Florida Compass Recommended?
Yes. University of West Florida meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic life on campus.

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