University of Florida vs University of Miami: A Data-Driven Comparison
Admission Difficulty: University of Miami is more selective with an 18.94% acceptance rate compared to University of Florida's 23.35%, making Miami roughly 19% harder to enter.
Cost and Value: The financial difference is substantial. UF charges $6,381 in-state and $28,659 out-of-state, while Miami costs $59,926 regardless of residency. UF's average net price of $6,351 is dramatically lower than Miami's $36,803. Miami graduates carry slightly more debt ($17,500 vs $15,000) but earn $3,740 more annually ten years post-graduation ($75,328 vs $71,588).
Academic Strengths: Both universities offer strong programs, but Miami provides more personalized attention with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio compared to UF's 16:1. UF's massive research infrastructure benefits from its 34,102 enrollment, while Miami's smaller 12,570 student body creates intimate learning environments.
Campus Experience: UF delivers the classic large state university experience in Gainesville, complete with major college athletics and extensive student organizations. Miami offers a more intimate private school atmosphere in upscale Coral Gables with easier access to internships and cultural opportunities in metropolitan Miami.
Outcomes: UF achieves a higher six-year graduation rate (91.5% vs 84.2%) and better retention (97.09% vs 92.15%), indicating stronger student satisfaction and support systems.
Students seeking affordable education with strong outcomes and traditional college spirit should choose UF, while those prioritizing small classes, personalized attention, and urban opportunities despite higher costs should select Miami.
Admission Difficulty: University of Miami is more selective with an 18.94% acceptance rate compared to University of Florida's 23.35%, making Miami roughly 19% harder to enter.
Cost and Value: The financial difference is substantial. UF charges $6,381 in-state and $28,659 out-of-state, while Miami costs $59,926 regardless of residency. UF's average net price of $6,351 is dramatically lower than Miami's $36,803. Miami graduates carry slightly more debt ($17,500 vs $15,000) but earn $3,740 more annually ten years post-graduation ($75,328 vs $71,588).
Academic Strengths: Both universities offer strong programs, but Miami provides more personalized attention with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio compared to UF's 16:1. UF's massive research infrastructure benefits from its 34,102 enrollment, while Miami's smaller 12,570 student body creates intimate learning environments.
Campus Experience: UF delivers the classic large state university experience in Gainesville, complete with major college athletics and extensive student organizations. Miami offers a more intimate private school atmosphere in upscale Coral Gables with easier access to internships and cultural opportunities in metropolitan Miami.
Outcomes: UF achieves a higher six-year graduation rate (91.5% vs 84.2%) and better retention (97.09% vs 92.15%), indicating stronger student satisfaction and support systems.
Students seeking affordable education with strong outcomes and traditional college spirit should choose UF, while those prioritizing small classes, personalized attention, and urban opportunities despite higher costs should select Miami.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| University of Florida | University of Miami | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 23.4% | 18.9% |
| SAT Average | 1,395 | 1,395 |
| Enrollment | 34,102 | 12,570 |
| In-State Tuition | $6,381 | $59,926 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $28,659 | $59,926 |
| Net Price | $6,351 | $36,803 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 91.5% | 84.2% |
| Retention Rate | 97.1% | 92.2% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $71,588 | $75,328 |
| Median Debt | $15,000 | $17,500 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| University of Florida | University of Miami | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $79,037 | Computer Science. | $78,343 |
| Computer Engineering. | $77,715 | Mechanical Engineering. | $72,796 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $75,405 | Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | $71,015 |
| Systems Engineering. | $74,279 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $65,621 |
| Chemical Engineering. | $73,145 | Industrial Engineering. | $65,238 |