University of Florida: 23.4% Acceptance Rate

23.4%Acceptance

$6,381Tuition

34,102Students

92%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$71,588Earnings

#1 in FloridaPublic4-yearResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Florida

The University of Florida draws 34,102 students to Gainesville, making it one of the largest student bodies in America. This major research university has built its reputation on academic strength and athletic dominance, producing graduates like NFL quarterback Tim Tebow and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio. With an acceptance rate of 23.35% and average SAT scores of 1395, UF attracts serious students who want both top-tier academics and the classic college experience complete with SEC football.

The financial picture here is hard to beat. In-state students pay just $6,381 in tuition, while the average net price after aid drops to only $6,351. Even families earning up to $30,000 pay just $2,387 per year. Graduates earn a median of $71,588 ten years after college with typical debt of only $15,000. That translates to monthly loan payments of $159, making UF one of the best educational values in the country.

UF keeps 97.09% of freshmen coming back for sophomore year, and 90.73% graduate in four years. The campus buzzes with energy from 17 varsity sports and fierce rivalries with Florida State and Georgia. With 81.21% of students from Florida, this feels like the state's flagship university, where Gator pride runs deep and orange and blue are more than just colors.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Florida is a major research university that gives undergraduates real opportunities to work alongside professors conducting groundbreaking studies. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get more personal attention than you'd expect at a school with 34,102 students. The 91.50% six-year graduation rate shows this support works. UF is particularly famous for its journalism school, which has produced countless sports broadcasters and reporters, plus strong programs in business, engineering, and agriculture. The Honors Program attracts top students who want a smaller college feel within a big research university. Students here often say they love having access to graduate-level resources while still being undergraduates.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 89.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 90.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 91.5%
Retention Rate: 97.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $71,588
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences.	Master	$182,280
Dentistry.	Doctoral	$124,099
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration.	Doctoral	$113,841
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Doctoral	$106,421
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Master	$103,078
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Master	$101,327
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies.	Master	$96,183
Chemistry.	Doctoral	$94,408
Computer Engineering.	Master	$94,408
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$92,885

View all 403 programs →

Campus Life

The University of Florida sits in Gainesville, a classic college town about two hours from both Jacksonville and Orlando. With 34,102 students and housing capacity for 11,668, only about a third live on campus, but the entire city revolves around the Gators. You'll need plenty of sunscreen and shorts since Florida weather means 80-degree days are common even in winter, though you might want a light jacket for the occasional cool snap.

Game days transform the campus into a sea of orange and blue as students pack Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (called "The Swamp") to cheer on the football team. The 97% retention rate reflects how quickly students fall into the rhythm of tailgating, late-night study sessions at Library West, and grabbing food on busy University Avenue. Weekends often mean trips to nearby natural springs for swimming or heading to downtown Gainesville's bars and restaurants. The campus buzzes with research opportunities and internships, especially since UF is one of the top public research universities in the Southeast. Students here learn to balance serious academics with serious school spirit.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 11,668 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1853

Campus Safety (2023)

460 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	128	4	13	3
Stalking	86	15	6	1
Burglary	40	6	13	0
Aggravated Assault	30	5	3	10
Domestic Violence	22	8	1	2
Rape	15	7	3	0
Dating Violence	9	3	2	1
Fondling	11	2	2	0
Arson	3	1	1	0
Robbery	2	0	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 42°–67°F
July Avg: 71°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

The University of Florida draws mostly Florida residents who want top-tier academics without leaving home. With 81% of students from in-state, UF has become the flagship choice for ambitious Floridians who could go anywhere but choose to stay local. The student body reflects Florida's growing diversity, with nearly a quarter Hispanic students and significant Asian representation. About 22% receive Pell Grants, showing UF serves both middle-class families and first-generation college students. The slight female majority fits UF's strength in fields like journalism, education, and health sciences alongside its famous engineering and business programs.

Men: 44.5%
Women: 55.5%
White: 50.0%
Black: 5.1%
Hispanic: 24.2%
Asian: 11.9%
In-State Students: 81.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 22.0%

Location

The University of Florida sits in Gainesville, a classic college town about 130 miles north of Tampa and 70 miles southwest of Jacksonville. With 34,102 students, UF dominates this city of around 140,000 people, creating the kind of atmosphere where everything revolves around the Gators. Gainesville has that quintessential college town feel where local businesses cater to students and game days transform the entire area. The city sits in north-central Florida, surrounded by rolling hills and canopy roads lined with oak trees, which feels different from the flat, tropical image many people have of Florida. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare University of Florida with similar schools in the region.

Address: Gainesville, Florida 32611

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $71,588
Median Earnings (5 years): $72,379
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $47,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 68.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $159/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $15,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Florida?

University of Florida admits 23.35% of applicants, making it highly selective among public universities. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1300-1490 on the SAT. This SEC powerhouse attracts top students who want big-time college sports alongside rigorous academics.

How much does University of Florida cost after financial aid?

The average net price is just $6,351, making UF one of the best values in higher education. In-state students pay only $6,381 in tuition while out-of-state students face $28,659. Graduates leave with a median debt of $15,000, well below the national average.

What is University of Florida known for academically?

UF operates as a major research university with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio serving 34,102 students. The university maintains a 97.09% retention rate, indicating strong student satisfaction. This flagship institution balances research excellence with undergraduate education across numerous top-ranked programs.

What are the career outcomes for University of Florida graduates?

UF graduates earn a median salary of $71,588 ten years after graduation with a 94.3% employment rate. The university achieves an impressive 91.50% six-year graduation rate. Alumni include notable figures like Tim Tebow, Marco Rubio, and Erin Andrews across sports, politics, and media.

Where do University of Florida students live on campus?

The university houses 11,668 students on campus with room and board costing $11,500 annually. About 81.21% of students come from within Florida, creating a strong Gator State identity. The Gainesville campus provides a classic college town atmosphere for this massive student body.

How competitive are University of Florida's athletic programs?

The Gators compete in NCAA Division I with 564 total athletes across 17 varsity sports. The university awards $12,906,459 in athletic scholarships annually. UF maintains fierce rivalries with Florida State, Georgia, and Miami while competing in one of the nation's top athletic conferences.