Florida State University vs University of Florida
University of Florida is very selective with a 24.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Florida State University (25.4%). Graduates of University of Florida earn $9,913 more per year at the 10-year mark ($71,588 vs $61,675). For families earning $48k–$75k, University of Florida is more affordable at $7,151 net price vs $10,496. Students at University of Florida graduate with less debt ($15,000 vs $18,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
University of Florida has a higher yield rate (43.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. University of Florida has a higher median SAT (1390 vs 1310).
Tallahassee, FL
Gainesville, FL
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), University of Florida is more affordable at $1,982 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $19,239 vs $16,723.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Florida State University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (24%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Florida State University
- 1 Industrial Engineering$71,643
- 2 Computer Engineering$71,015
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$68,918
- 4 Chemical Engineering$68,305
- 5 Mechanical Engineering$61,303
University of Florida
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$79,037
- 2 Computer Engineering$77,715
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$75,405
- 4 Systems Engineering$74,279
- 5 Chemical Engineering$73,145
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Florida State University
- 1 Psychology, General
- 2 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 3 Marketing
- 4 Criminal Justice and Corrections
- 5 Political Science and Government
University of Florida
- 1 Biology, General
- 2 Psychology, General
- 3 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 4 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 5 Economics
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Florida State University
- International students6%
- Tuition (international)$16,540
- Est. total cost/year$29,262
- School typePublic
University of Florida
- International students9%
- Tuition (international)$25,694
- Est. total cost/year$38,188
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Florida State University or University of Florida?
University of Florida is more selective with a 24.0% acceptance rate, compared to 25.4%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Florida State University or University of Florida?
University of Florida graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $71,588 compared to $61,675. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Florida State University or University of Florida?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), University of Florida has a lower net price at $7,151 per year vs $10,496. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Florida State University vs University of Florida?
University of Florida has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 91.3%, compared to 84.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Florida State University or University of Florida?
University of Florida has a larger international student population at 9% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Florida State University and University of Florida?
At Florida State University, Industrial Engineering graduates earn a median of $71,643 within two years. At University of Florida, the top-earning major is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $79,037. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.