University of Florida vs University of South Florida: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Florida and University of South Florida, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Florida vs University of South Florida at a glance
University of Florida admits 24.2% of applicants and University of South Florida 43.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $5,969 at University of Florida and $8,648 at University of South Florida. Six-year graduation rates are 92.1% and 77.9%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Florida admits 24.2% of applicants and University of South Florida 43.2%, so University of Florida is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $5,969 a year at University of Florida and $8,648 at University of South Florida; University of Florida costs $2,679 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $1,968 at University of Florida and $5,565 at University of South Florida.
- 92.1% of students graduate within six years at University of Florida, against 77.9% at University of South Florida.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $78,456 for University of Florida and $63,660 for University of South Florida; University of Florida is $14,796 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $13,496 at University of Florida and $16,250 at University of South Florida.
- University of Florida enrolls 35,629 students (midsize city) and University of South Florida 37,207 (large city).
Side by side
University of Florida and University of South Florida 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 | University of Florida | University of South Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 24.2% | 43.2% |
| Applicants | 51,207 | 50,352 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1320–1480 | 1130–1320 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–33 | 24–29 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $5,969 | $8,648 |
| Tuition, in state | $6,381 | $6,410 |
| Tuition, out of state | $30,886 | $18,416 |
| Cost of attendance | $23,197 | $22,086 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $1,968 | $5,565 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $1,809 | $3,989 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $5,221 | $6,040 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $10,235 | $11,459 |
| Over $110,000 | $16,609 | $17,159 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 92.1% | 77.9% |
| First-year retention | 97.7% | 91.3% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $78,456 | $63,660 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $13,496 | $16,250 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $153 | $185 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 35,629 | 37,207 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
| Location | Gainesville, FL | Tampa, 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
University of Florida reports 92 bachelor's programs and University of South Florida 79; 54 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Florida vs University of South Florida
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Florida or University of South Florida?
University of Florida is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Florida admits 24.2% of applicants and University of South Florida admits 43.2%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Florida 1320–1480; University of South Florida 1130–1320.
Which is cheaper, University of Florida or University of South Florida?
University of Florida has the lower average net price after grants: $5,969 a year at University of Florida against $8,648 at University of South Florida. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $1,968 and $5,565. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Florida or University of South Florida graduates earn more?
University of Florida graduates earn more at the median: $78,456 ten years after entry for University of Florida and $63,660 for University of South Florida. Median federal debt at graduation is $13,496 and $16,250.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Florida or University of South Florida?
University of Florida does: 92.1% of University of Florida students graduate within six years, against 77.9% at University of South Florida.
How big are University of Florida and University of South Florida?
University of Florida has 35,629 students in Gainesville, FL and University of South Florida has 37,207 students in Tampa, FL.