University of Florida (UF) vs U of K

Envision yourself as a student, embarking on a journey of higher education. As you navigate the vast landscape of universities, two prominent institutions emerge: the University of Florida (UF) and the University of Kentucky (UK). While both offer exceptional academic opportunities, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your decision. UF boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating its highly selective admissions process, while UK welcomes a broader range of applicants. Explore the comparison table to delve into further details, such as popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Discover which university aligns with your aspirations and provides the ideal environment for your academic and personal growth.

	University of Florida	University of Kentucky
Overview
Location	Gainesville, Florida	Lexington, Kentucky
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	97.0%	86.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	30.1%	94.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $30	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1300 - 1470	1083 - 1330
ACT range	29 - 33	22 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	79.0%	10.0%
Students submitting ACT score	46.0%	70.0%
Total number of applicants	51,207	21,695
Total number of admissions given out	15,431	20,396
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,787	4,721
Yield rate	44.0%	23.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $21,431 Out of state: $43,709	In state: $31,690 Out of state: $50,688
Average net price	$9,809	$20,043
Tuition	In state: $4,477 Out of state: $25,694	In state: $11,247 Out of state: $30,245
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,800 Meal plan: $4,600	Room/dormitory: $9,650 Meal plan: $4,536
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	91.0% Average amount $12,758	92.0% Average amount $11,623
Students receiving federal student loan	9.0% Average amount $4,927	41.0% Average amount $5,177
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $17,527	9.0% Average amount $19,204

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	34,876 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%	21,900 Men 43.1% Women 56.9%
Graduate students	20,905 Men 42.1% Women 57.9%	8,490 Men 37.7% Women 62.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	16.5%	N/A
International students	8.0%	4.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	11,373	7,294
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida New York New Jersey Georgia Virginia	Ohio Illinois Georgia Tennessee

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Health Professions Business Communication and Journalism Computer and Information Science	Health Professions Education Engineering Business Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	90.9%	68.2%
Dropout rate	2.5%	30.6%
Transferred out	5.7%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $236,746 Year 2: $182,280 Year 3: $190,105 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $105,121 Year 2: $124,099 Year 3: $145,544 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $94,054 Year 2: $113,841 Year 3: $123,288 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $95,886 Year 2: $101,327 Year 3: $114,115 Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,755 Year 2: $96,183 Year 3: $108,258 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $67,716 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $107,267 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,155 Year 2: $91,363 Year 3: $103,214 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $98,110 Year 2: $92,885 Year 3: $98,739 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,353 Year 2: $90,146 Year 3: $98,185 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,540 Year 2: $88,546 Year 3: $97,968	Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $106,223 Year 2: $114,892 Year 3: $134,605 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $81,971 Year 2: $114,730 Year 3: $122,422 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $101,348 Year 2: $116,083 Year 3: $111,861 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $99,330 Year 2: $92,277 Year 3: $102,019 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,048 Year 2: $93,555 Year 3: $98,399 Mining and Mineral Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $83,128 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,062 Year 2: $62,260 Year 3: $78,282 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,632 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $76,500 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $71,089 Year 2: $70,512 Year 3: $74,487 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,465 Year 2: $68,666 Year 3: $72,801

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key academic strengths of the University of Florida (UF) compared to the University of Kentucky (UK)?

The University of Florida is particularly strong in STEM fields, including engineering, computer science, and pre-health programs. It also boasts a highly regarded business school and strong programs in agriculture. The University of Kentucky excels in areas like pharmacy, law, and medicine, and has a notable focus on equine studies. UK also has strong programs in arts and humanities.
How does the cost of attendance compare between UF and UK?

Generally, the University of Florida offers a more affordable tuition for in-state students compared to the University of Kentucky. However, both universities offer competitive tuition rates for out-of-state students. It's crucial to check the most recent tuition and fee schedules on each university's website, as costs can vary based on residency, program, and other factors.
What is the student life experience like at UF versus UK?

The University of Florida offers a vibrant and energetic student life, heavily influenced by its large student body and strong athletic programs, particularly football. The University of Kentucky also has a lively campus atmosphere, with a strong emphasis on basketball and a more close-knit community feel. Both universities offer a wide array of student organizations, clubs, and activities.
How do the admission requirements differ between UF and UK?

The University of Florida generally has more selective admission standards than the University of Kentucky. UF typically requires higher standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) and a more competitive GPA. UK's admission requirements are still rigorous, but may be slightly more accessible. Prospective students should carefully review the specific requirements for each university, including application deadlines and required documents.
What are the research opportunities like at UF and UK?

Both universities offer significant research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. The University of Florida is a major research institution with extensive funding and a wide range of research areas. The University of Kentucky also has a strong research presence, particularly in areas related to its core strengths, such as healthcare and agriculture. Both universities provide resources and support for students interested in research.
How does the location and surrounding area influence the college experience at UF and UK?

The University of Florida is located in Gainesville, Florida, a college town with a warm climate and access to outdoor recreational activities. The University of Kentucky is situated in Lexington, Kentucky, a city known for its horse farms and a more distinct four-season climate. Both locations offer a variety of cultural and entertainment options, but the surrounding environments provide different lifestyle experiences.
What are the career services and job placement rates like at UF and UK?

Both universities provide comprehensive career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. UF, with its strong STEM and business programs, often has a high job placement rate in those fields. UK's career services are also effective, with strong connections to industries relevant to its key academic areas, such as healthcare and law. Specific placement rates can vary by program and industry.
How do the campus facilities and resources compare between UF and UK?

Both universities have modern and well-maintained campus facilities. The University of Florida has a large campus with extensive resources, including state-of-the-art labs, libraries, and athletic facilities. The University of Kentucky also offers excellent facilities, including a medical center, a law school, and a strong library system. Both universities are continually investing in improving their infrastructure.
What is the diversity and inclusion environment like at UF and UK?

Both universities are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. They have various programs and initiatives to support students from different backgrounds. While both universities strive for diversity, the specific demographics and the overall campus climate can vary. Prospective students are encouraged to research the specific diversity and inclusion initiatives at each university to determine which aligns best with their values.
Which university is better for a student interested in athletics?

Both universities have strong athletic programs. The University of Florida is known for its success in football, and other sports. The University of Kentucky is renowned for its basketball program. The choice depends on the specific sport a student is interested in and the overall athletic culture they are seeking. Both universities offer a vibrant athletic experience.

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