Florida State University vs University of Miami: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Florida State University and University of Miami, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Florida State University vs University of Miami at a glance
Florida State University admits 24.2% of applicants and University of Miami 18.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $8,605 at Florida State University and $36,483 at University of Miami. Six-year graduation rates are 85.8% and 83.6%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Florida State University admits 24.2% of applicants and University of Miami 18.9%, so University of Miami is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $8,605 a year at Florida State University and $36,483 at University of Miami; Florida State University costs $27,878 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $4,332 at Florida State University and $14,575 at University of Miami.
- 85.8% of students graduate within six years at Florida State University, against 83.6% at University of Miami.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $68,225 for Florida State University and $84,093 for University of Miami; University of Miami is $15,868 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $13,000 at Florida State University and $18,433 at University of Miami.
- Florida State University enrolls 32,212 students (midsize city) and University of Miami 12,913 (small city).
- Florida State University is a public college and University of Miami is a private nonprofit college.
Side by side
Florida State University and University of Miami in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Florida State University | University of Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 24.2% | 18.9% |
| Applicants | 65,235 | 42,245 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1270–1410 | 1320–1480 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–32 | 30–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $8,605 | $36,483 |
| Tuition, in state | $5,656 | $65,430 |
| Tuition, out of state | $20,116 | $65,430 |
| Cost of attendance | $25,144 | $90,646 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $4,332 | $14,575 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $4,290 | $13,020 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $6,953 | $19,695 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $11,367 | $25,484 |
| Over $110,000 | $17,085 | $51,155 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 85.8% | 83.6% |
| First-year retention | 96.1% | 93.8% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $68,225 | $84,093 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $13,000 | $18,433 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $148 | $209 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 32,212 | 12,913 |
| Type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
| Location | Tallahassee, FL | Coral Gables, FL |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Florida State University reports 78 bachelor's programs and University of Miami 84; 57 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Florida State University vs University of Miami
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Florida State University or University of Miami?
University of Miami is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Florida State University admits 24.2% of applicants and University of Miami admits 18.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Florida State University 1270–1410; University of Miami 1320–1480.
Which is cheaper, Florida State University or University of Miami?
Florida State University has the lower average net price after grants: $8,605 a year at Florida State University against $36,483 at University of Miami. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $4,332 and $14,575. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Florida State University or University of Miami graduates earn more?
University of Miami graduates earn more at the median: $68,225 ten years after entry for Florida State University and $84,093 for University of Miami. Median federal debt at graduation is $13,000 and $18,433.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Florida State University or University of Miami?
Florida State University does: 85.8% of Florida State University students graduate within six years, against 83.6% at University of Miami.
How big are Florida State University and University of Miami?
Florida State University has 32,212 students in Tallahassee, FL and University of Miami has 12,913 students in Coral Gables, FL.