University of Florida combines flagship university outcomes with exceptional cost control. As a Selective Achievers institution, the university produces graduates earning $11,045 more than peer institutions while maintaining debt levels $5,000 below peer medians, creating outstanding value for educational investment.
Representing well above average outcomes relative to educational investment
Demonstrating top-tier performance in cost management and debt control
Exceptional ability to convert educational access into earnings outcomes
Exceptional ability to convert educational access into earnings outcomes
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisTop-tier affordability at a flagship public university
University of Florida combines strong earnings outcomes with exceptionally low educational costs, creating outstanding value for students. Graduates earn a median of $71,588 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 87th percentile nationally.
This performance reflects well above average earnings outcomes relative to similar institutions. Earnings range from $47,083 at the 25th percentile to $106,122 at the 75th percentile, demonstrating varied career paths across the university's diverse academic programs.
Students seeking strong outcomes at a nationally-ranked public research university with exceptional affordability. Best for Florida residents who want high-quality academics with minimal debt burden, particularly in STEM fields like Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, and Health Sciences.
University of Florida's Selective Achievers profile delivers top-tier earnings while maintaining low costs.
University of Florida admits 64.4% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 3 applicants receive offers of admission. This places the university in the Moderately Selective category, making it more accessible than highly selective institutions while maintaining academic standards above typical public universities.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates University of Florida is more selective than most similar public research institutions by approximately 14 percentage points. This level of selectivity means qualified students have reasonable admission prospects, though competition remains meaningful given the university's reputation and outcomes.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Florida's published cost of attendance reaches $17,036 annually, including $3,876 in-state tuition, with out-of-state students paying $16,579. Room and board costs are included in the comprehensive cost structure, along with $1,050 for books and supplies.
However, the average student pays just $4,702 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,334 compared to the sticker price. This net price sits $10,888 below the peer median of $15,590, demonstrating exceptional affordability relative to similar public research institutions.
The university's cost structure creates substantial value for families, with financial aid covering approximately 72% of published costs on average. Net prices range dramatically by family income, from $1,035 for families earning under $30,000 to $12,178 for families earning over $110,000.
This progressive pricing structure reflects the university's commitment to access while maintaining quality educational offerings. For Florida residents, the low in-state tuition base creates additional affordability advantages.
The combination of controlled published costs and generous financial aid results in University of Florida ranking at the 95.1st percentile nationally for affordability.
Artificial Intelligence.
288 graduates
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician.
90 graduates
Computer Engineering, General.
108 graduates
Systems Engineering.
119 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
106 graduates
Consider these schools with similar outcomes but higher acceptance rates:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jacksonville University Higher acceptance rate (33.3 percentage points higher) and located 66 miles away; similar graduate earnings | FL | 57% | $68,010 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the University Of Florida hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-florida/analysis.
University of Florida ranks #33 nationally in Azimuth's composite rankings, with affordability performance at the 95.1st percentile placing it among institutions with top-tier performance. Located in Gainesville, Florida, this large public research university maintains moderately selective admission standards with a 64.4% acceptance rate while delivering strong post-graduation outcomes.
The university enrolls 20.4% Pell-eligible students and 30.8% first-generation students, reflecting a more selective student population than typical public institutions. Graduates earn $71,588 ten years after enrollment, placing University of Florida in the 87th percentile nationally for median earnings.
Compared to a peer median of $60,543, graduates earn $11,045 more annually. With value-added earnings around the national average and exceptionally low costs, University of Florida exemplifies the Selective Achievers quadrant, where institutions serve fewer low-income students while delivering strong economic outcomes.
Students with academic credentials within the university's ranges should consider University of Florida a match or target school rather than a reach. For students building college lists, University of Florida represents a flagship public option that balances accessibility with academic quality.
The 64.4% acceptance rate provides substantially better odds than highly selective institutions while delivering comparable post-graduation outcomes. Applicants should focus on demonstrating fit with the university's academic programs and showing genuine interest in attending.
This selectivity level allows the university to maintain academic standards while serving a broader range of qualified Florida residents and out-of-state students.
University of Florida graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over their career trajectory. Median earnings increase from $56,398 six years after enrollment to $65,342 at eight years and $71,588 at ten years, representing 26.9% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 8,142 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates achieve earnings around the national average relative to expected performance based on student demographics, with value-added earnings of -$1,033.
Low-income graduates earn $63,400, reflecting the institution's ability to support diverse student backgrounds despite its selective admissions profile. Earnings distribution spans from $47,083 at the 25th percentile to $106,122 at the 75th percentile, indicating substantial variation based on program choice and career trajectory.
Approximately 25.9% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in preparing students for both workforce entry and advanced education. The combination of steady earnings growth, large cohort sizes, and diverse post-graduation pathways reflects University of Florida's comprehensive educational mission.
University of Florida offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for analysis. Artificial Intelligence ranks #14 nationally and #1 in Florida, producing 288 graduates with median earnings of $108,528 and a value score of 93.5.
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences ranks #2 nationally and #1 in Florida, graduating 220 students with median earnings of $65,782 and an exceptional value score of 98.7. Advertising ranks #9 nationally and #1 in Florida, graduating 394 students with median earnings of $58,636.
Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #26 nationally and #2 in Florida, with 277 graduates earning $83,279. Behavioral Aspects of Health ranks #16 nationally and #1 in Florida, graduating 254 students with median earnings of $54,610.
The university maintains #1 state rankings in multiple fields, including Biology, Psychology, American Government and Politics, and Applied Economics, demonstrating consistent program quality across diverse academic disciplines.
Jacksonville University Higher acceptance rate (33.3 percentage points higher) and located 66 miles away; similar graduate earnings | FL | 57% | $68,010 | Compare |
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina Higher acceptance rate (74.1 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | SC | 98% | $72,085 | Compare |
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina Higher acceptance rate (74.1 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | SC | 98% | $72,085 | Compare |
Jacksonville University Same state (66 miles away) with nearly identical earnings | FL | 57% | $68,010 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stony Brook University Similar quality tier (#49 ranked) | NY | 49% | $74,502 | #49 | Compare |
University Of California-Santa Barbara Similar quality tier (#51 ranked) | CA | 28% | $74,915 | #51 | Compare |
California State University-Dominguez Hills Similar quality tier (#47 ranked) | CA | 91% | $57,162 | #47 | Compare |
Texas State University Similar quality tier (#45 ranked) | TX | 89% | $56,906 | #45 | Compare |
San Francisco State University Similar quality tier (#44 ranked) | CA | 96% | $68,077 | #44 | Compare |