Introduction
The University of Florida (UF) and the University of Miami (UM) are two of the most prestigious universities in the United States. Both institutions offer a wide range of academic programs, research opportunities, and student life experiences. However, there are also some key differences between the two schools. This comprehensive comparison will explore the strengths and weaknesses of each university to help prospective students make an informed decision.
Academics
Rankings
According to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UF is ranked 14th among public universities and 30th overall. UM is ranked 51st among public universities and 102nd overall.
Faculty
UF has a faculty of over 2,500 professors, while UM has a faculty of over 1,200 professors. Both universities have a strong commitment to research, with UF receiving over $1 billion in research funding in 2021 and UM receiving over $400 million in research funding in 2021.
Programs
UF offers over 100 undergraduate majors and minors, while UM offers over 130 undergraduate majors and minors. Both universities offer a wide range of graduate programs, including doctoral programs in over 50 fields at UF and over 30 fields at UM.
Student Life
Campus
UF has a sprawling campus of over 2,000 acres, while UM has a more compact campus of over 240 acres. Both universities offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including dormitories, apartments, and townhouses.
Activities
UF has over 600 student clubs and organizations, while UM has over 400 student clubs and organizations. Both universities offer a variety of athletic programs, including football, basketball, and baseball.
Location
UF is located in the city of Gainesville, Florida, which has a population of over 130,000 people. UM is located in the city of Coral Gables, Florida, which has a population of over 50,000 people.
Cost
Tuition
In-state tuition at UF is $6,382 per year, while out-of-state tuition is $22,978 per year. In-state tuition at UM is $6,712 per year, while out-of-state tuition is $26,312 per year.
Fees
Fees at UF are approximately $2,000 per year, while fees at UM are approximately $3,000 per year.
Room and Board
Room and board costs at UF are approximately $10,000 per year, while room and board costs at UM are approximately $12,000 per year.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at UF is 43%, while the acceptance rate at UM is 40%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for admitted students at UF is 1360, while the average SAT score for admitted students at UM is 1340.
Average ACT Score
The average ACT score for admitted students at UF is 31, while the average ACT score for admitted students at UM is 30.
Which University is Right for You?
The decision of which university to attend is a personal one. Both UF and UM have a lot to offer prospective students. UF is a larger university with a more sprawling campus and a wider range of academic programs. UM is a smaller university with a more compact campus and a more intimate learning environment. Ultimately, the best way to decide which university is right for you is to visit both campuses and talk to current students.
Additional Resources
- University of Florida website
- University of Miami website
- College Board website
- U.S. News & World Report website
Tables
Table 1: Rankings
| University | Public | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | 14th | 30th |
| University of Miami | 51st | 102nd |
Table 2: Tuition and Fees
| University | In-state Tuition | Out-of-state Tuition | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | $6,382 | $22,978 | $2,000 |
| University of Miami | $6,712 | $26,312 | $3,000 |
Table 3: Acceptance Rates and Average Test Scores
| University | Acceptance Rate | Average SAT Score | Average ACT Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | 43% | 1360 | 31 |
| University of Miami | 40% | 1340 | 30 |
Table 4: Room and Board Costs
| University | Room and Board Costs |
|---|---|
| University of Florida | $10,000 |
| University of Miami | $12,000 |