Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • New York, NY & Gainesville, FL
When students choose between University of Florida and CUNY City College, they're comparing two public universities with similar engineering strengths but vastly different completion records. Both institutions emphasize STEM fields and serve as pathways to economic mobility.
But the data reveals a critical difference: UF graduates 92% of its students while City College graduates just 55%. This 37 percentage point gap fundamentally changes the financial calculation for prospective students.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$11,990
federal loans
$15,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$17,460
borrowed by parents
$18,837
borrowed by parents
Both schools emphasize engineering-focused programs, with UF dedicating 13% of graduates to engineering fields and City College at 17%. UF's program mix shows 13% Engineering, 12% Business, 12% Social Sciences, with top programs including Biology (566 graduates), Psychology (535), and Public Relations (394).
City College concentrates on 17% Engineering, 13% Social Sciences, 10% Arts, with Psychology (386 graduates), Biology (248), and Fine Arts (136) leading enrollment. Despite similar technical focus, the schools serve notably different student populations.
For students prioritizing degree completion, University of Florida delivers dramatically better outcomes despite costing $1,216/year more. UF's 92% graduation rate versus City College's 55% means students are far more likely to actually finish and earn the projected salaries.
City College excels at serving low-income students and generates strong outcomes for those who complete, but the completion risk is substantial. The data points to UF as the stronger investment for students who want assurance they'll graduate — but City College remains valuable for New York-area students seeking affordable access to quality programs, provided they understand the completion challenge and commit to persistence.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
