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. 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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Florida typically score 1255-1390 on the SAT, with a median of 1331. The middle 50% range shows most enrolled students fall within this band, though students scoring outside this range are admitted in smaller numbers. SAT Math scores range from 615-690, while Verbal scores span 640-700, indicating balanced academic preparation across disciplines. ACT scores typically fall between 27-31, with a median of 29. These test score ranges place University of Florida well above peer institutions, with SAT scores averaging 133 points higher than the peer median of 1198 and ACT scores 4 points above the peer median of 25. Students scoring below the 25th percentile (1255 SAT, 27 ACT) should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. Those scoring within the middle 50% ranges demonstrate academic competitiveness for admission. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when building their college lists. The university's test score ranges reflect its position as a flagship public institution that attracts high-achieving students while maintaining broader accessibility than highly selective private institutions. These academic credentials, combined with the 64.4% admission rate, indicate University of Florida seeks students who can succeed in rigorous academic programs.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Florida enrolls 20.4% Pell-eligible students and 30.8% first-generation students, indicating the university serves students from diverse economic backgrounds alongside those from more privileged families. The Pell share reflects enrollment of students from lower-income households, while the first-generation share shows nearly one-third of students are the first in their families to attend college. Transfer students comprise 51.1% of enrollment, demonstrating the university's significant role in serving community college graduates and students seeking to change institutions. This high transfer rate reflects Florida's articulation agreements and the university's commitment to providing pathways for students beginning their education elsewhere. The student composition suggests University of Florida values academic achievement while maintaining accessibility for students from various educational and economic backgrounds. First-generation students should know that nearly one-third of enrolled students share their background, indicating institutional experience supporting students without family college experience. Students from lower-income families should consider the 20.4% Pell share when assessing fit, recognizing they will find peers from similar economic circumstances while also encountering students from more affluent backgrounds.
Given University of Florida's 64.4% acceptance rate and competitive academic profile, applicants should build balanced college lists including schools with higher acceptance rates or different geographic options.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
University of Florida demonstrates strong student success metrics across all populations. 97.1% of freshmen return for sophomore year, significantly above the peer median of 83.7%, and 91.5% graduate within six years, far exceeding the peer median of 65.9%. These retention and completion rates indicate robust institutional support systems and academic environments that promote student success. Pell-eligible students graduate at 82.1%, creating a 9.4 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. While this gap indicates some additional challenges for lower-income students, the 82.1% Pell completion rate substantially exceeds national averages for this population. Students who gain admission to University of Florida can expect strong institutional support for degree completion regardless of their economic background. The high retention rate suggests most students find the academic and social environment supportive during their first year. Lower-income students should weigh the 9.4 percentage point Pell gap when considering this institution, though the 82.1% completion rate for Pell students remains well above national benchmarks. Prospective students should view these retention and completion rates as indicators of the supportive academic environment they will experience if admitted.
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