Is University of Florida the School for You?

Located in Gainesville, Florida, the University of Florida (UF) is a public research university that offers associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs. The state's oldest university offers more than 100 academic programs for undergraduates and nearly 200 for graduate students within 16 colleges. Read the facts below to decide if UF is the school for you.

Pros

• Ranked among the top 20 for best public schools
• Graduation rate is 44 percentage points higher than the national average
• High number of academic programs
• Student debt following graduation is $9,660 lower than the national average

Cons

• Total cost (including all school and living expenses) is $2,121 higher than the national average for in-state students and $11,831 higher for out-of-state students
• Acceptance rate is 22.5 percentage points lower than the national average
• Student-faculty ratio is 20:1, which is higher than the national average

UF at a Glance

In 2013, the University of Florida was ranked #17 by U.S. News & World Report on its list of the best public schools in the country, with its accounting, real estate, quantitative analysis and biological/agricultural engineering programs ranking in the top 10. In addition to more than 300 academic programs, the university boasts over 200 centers for research, teaching and community involvement. According to figures from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 95% of full-time students and 83% of part-time students return to the school after their first year. The NCES also reported that UF has a graduation rate of 84%, much higher than the national average of 40%.

The total cost of attendance for 2011-2012 was roughly $19,257 for in-state students, higher than the national average of $17,136 for public universities. Out-of-state expenses were $41,534, well above the national average of $29,703. However, the university reported that nearly two-thirds of students graduate without debt. Those who do have debt owe about $17,000, according to the university, compared to the national average of $26,660. Approximately 3% of students default on their loans within three years of graduation.

In 2011, UF had a population of 32,598 undergraduates and 16,991 graduate students, making it one of the largest schools in the country. The university accepted 43% of applicants, far below the national average of 65.5%. Because of the large undergraduate body, the student-faculty ratio is 20:1, higher than that of many public research universities.

Getting In & Financial Aid at UF

When applying to UF, you'll have to choose a particular college and major. The university only accepts online applications, and you must submit the school's application and standardized test scores. According to the NCES, 68% of students submitted SAT scores and 30% submitted ACT scores in 2011. In that year, the middle 50% of admitted students scored between 24 and 30 on the composite ACT and 1160 to 1360 on the reading and math sections of the SAT. Test scores are due at the university by December 31. If you're applying to a fine arts program, you may have additional requirements, such as an audition or portfolio.

NCES reported that 55% of accepted students choose to attend UF. If you need financial aid, you can apply by March 15 to receive priority consideration. In addition to grants and loans, you may qualify for need-based scholarships or merit aid for achievement in music, athletics, ROTC or community service. Scholarships are also available for out-of-state students. If you are entering a graduate program, you may be eligible for research assistantships or fellowships.

Living at UF

About 55% of students at the university are female, and 90% of all students are Florida residents. You'll be part of a diverse student body, with 6% of attendees coming from foreign countries. In 2011, the largest ethnic/racial groups were White (59%), Hispanic/Latino (17%), Black/African-American (9%) and Asian (8%). When choosing housing, you'll be able to pick from 24 residence halls, 15 special interest communities and 5 family-housing complexes. Students with families also have access to on-site daycare facilities and weekend/evening classes.

UF has 9 libraries, including ones for law, education and fine arts. If you want to get involved on campus, the university offers almost 1000 student organizations, including 64 Greek chapters and 21 NCAA athletic teams. Health sciences students may benefit from UF's research partnerships with local medical facilities, while those in the astronomy program can take advantage of state-of-the-art telescopes and other equipment.

Sources: *NCES College Navigator, **University of Florida, ***College Board

School Contact Information

• Address: Office of Admissions, 201 Criser Hall, P.O. Box 114000, Gainesville, FL 32611
• Phone: (352) 392-1365