Head-to-head · 2026
Florida State University vs University of Florida
Compare average net price ($11,297 at Florida State University; $6,541 at University of Florida), ROI score (13.65 vs 27.36), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($61,675 vs $71,588), and admissions selectivity (24.2% acceptance at Florida State University; 24.2% at University of Florida) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Florida State University | University of Florida |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 13.65 | 27.36 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,297 | $6,541 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $45,188 | $26,164 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $5,656 | $6,381 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $18,786 | $28,659 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $61,675 | $71,588 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 24.2% | 24.2% |
| Graduation rate | 85.6% | 91.1% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 96.1% | 97.7% ✓ |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $15,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 32,212 | 35,629 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1361 | 1403 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Florida State University | University of Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $5,938 | $1,982 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $6,963 | $2,768 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $10,496 | $7,151 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $14,991 | $12,905 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $19,239 | $16,723 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Florida State University | University of Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 1.9% | 8.1% |
| Psychology, General | 6.3% | 3.6% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 4.6% | 1.6% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 3.6% | 2.5% |
| Biology, General | 2.9% | 3.3% |
| Political Science and Government | 3.5% | 2.5% |
| Marketing | 3.6% | 1.2% |
| Public Health | 1.8% | 2.4% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of Florida reports the lower average net price by $4,756 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $19,024 difference over four years ($26,164 vs $45,188).
University of Florida reports $9,913 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($71,588 vs $61,675). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 96.1% at Florida State University and 97.7% at University of Florida. Median federal debt among completers is $18,000 vs $15,000, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Florida State University vs University of Florida, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Florida is cheaper — average net price $6,541 per year vs $11,297 at Florida State University. The annual difference of $4,756 adds up to about $19,024 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Florida reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $71,588 vs $61,675 at Florida State University. The gap in the federal data is $9,913. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Florida is more selective at 24.2% acceptance vs 24.2% at Florida State University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.