The cost of college should not hold you back from getting a quality education. If you live in Florida or are considering a school in the state, the University of Florida in Gainesville offers high-quality education without breaking the bank or plunging you into student debt. In fact, in-state tuition at the University of Florida costs less than the national average, according to US News & World Report.
University of Florida financial aid opportunities can help undergraduate and graduate students offset tuition and living expenses. If you are considering going to college in Florida, read on to find out University of Florida tuition and other costs, plus key University of Florida ranking results. We also provide an overview of the school’s top scholarships and tips on how to save on college costs.
University of Florida Rankings and Profile
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- US News & World Report Ranking: 28 in National Universities
- Times Higher Education Ranking: 154 in World University Rankings
The University of Florida’s acceptance rate of 30 percent means that admission into the university is quite selective compared to other schools nationwide. The university has a graduation rate of 91 percent, which is a testament to University of Florida students’ hard work, the competency of the school’s faculty, and overall student support.
Meanwhile, when it comes to University of Florida rankings, US News & World Report ranks the school in 28th place among national universities in the country. It is ranked 154th in the world by Times Higher Education. Students who seek to study at the university can choose to apply to the university’s top-rated engineering, business, and nursing programs.
How Much Does the University of Florida Cost?
The University of Florida costs $6,381 per year in tuition for in-state students pursuing an undergraduate degree, while out-of-state students are charged $28,659 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. If you are a graduate student, you will have to pay $12,737 for in-state tuition and fees, or $30,130 for non-Florida residents. Books and supplies will cost you about $810 per year.
University of Florida Tuition, Fees, and Other Expenses
| Expense | University of Florida Cost |
|---|---|
| University of Florida Undergraduate In-State Tuition and Fees | $6,381 |
| University of Florida Undergraduate Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $28,659 |
| University of Florida Graduate In-State Tuition and Fees | $12,737 |
| University of Florida Graduate Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $30,130 |
| University of Florida Books and Supplies | $810 |
The cost of attendance at the University of Florida is lower than the national average of $11,331, according to the same US News & World Report from above. However, this is for in-state tuition only. Non-Florida residents have to pay slightly more than the national average of $27,028 if they want to attend the University of Florida. While these tuition charges might seem daunting, UF accepts various forms of financial assistance for eligible students.
University of Florida Living Expenses
| Expense | University of Florida Cost |
|---|---|
| University of Florida On-Campus Room and Board | $10,400 |
| University of Florida Off-Campus Room and Board | $10,400 |
While tuition rates vary considerably for in-state and out-of-state students, on-campus and off-campus room and board costs for all students are expected to be the same. However, these costs will vary depending on the expenses that students incur. These expenses could include phone bills, computer bills, meals, personal expenses, and other costs.
Cost of Living in Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville, Florida’s cost of living is 10 percent higher than the national average, according to statistics from PayScale. If you are looking to live in Florida while studying at the University of Florida, you can expect that housing in the area will cost 12 percent more than the national average. Those who are looking to rent in the area should expect rent prices to be about $1,367 per month.
Utility prices are 58 percent higher, but transportation expenses and gas prices are 5 percent lower. Healthcare in Gainesville is relatively affordable and is 11 percent lower than the national average. Meanwhile, grocery prices are 20 percent higher.
While at first glance, Gainesville seems expensive, UF students will be glad to know that technology and entrepreneurship thrive here, and Florida is one of the best states to find startup jobs. Gainesville is home to the Florida Innovation Hub, where startup companies are created from technologies that started at the University of Florida.
University of Florida Financial Aid Statistics
The cost of attendance at the University of Florida, while cheaper than the national average, is still quite expensive. This is partly why the school accepts and offers various forms of financial aid. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 94 percent of undergraduate UF students receive financial aid.
More specifically, 91 percent of students receive grants or scholarships, and the average amount is $12,758. More than 20 percent of students receive federal grants such as Pell Grants. Meanwhile, 86 percent receive state or local government grants or scholarships, valued, on average, at $9,150 per year.
Many University of Florida students receive grants or scholarships from the school, at 39 percent, with an average amount received of $5,593. When it comes to student loans, only nine percent of incoming undergraduate students receive federal student loans, while one percent receive loans from other sources.
Does the University of Florida Accept FAFSA?
Yes, the University of Florida accepts FAFSA. You can submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form through the school’s financial aid website. Before the start of each school year, you must submit this form to the school to determine your eligibility or continued eligibility. This form can also be a basis for some colleges and states to award aid.
Does the University of Florida Accept GI Bill Benefits?
Yes, the University of Florida accepts GI Bill benefits through its Office of Student Veteran Services. GI Bill benefits help veterans and their family members pay for the cost of college or specific training programs, including bootcamps. These benefits can cover the cost of non-resident tuition as long as the veteran or dependent student meets the qualifications.
Is the University of Florida a Yellow Ribbon School?
Yes, the University of Florida is a Yellow Ribbon School. As of 2020, UF has been approved to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program for Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients. The Yellow Ribbon program helps eligible students meet the cost of out-of-state fees, and UF contributes up to $6,500 per eligible student per year. Twenty undergraduate students and 10 graduate students will receive funding every year.
University of Florida Scholarships and Grants
- Leavitt/Lee-McCachren/Boyd Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship is given to students who are taking degree programs through the College of Health and Human Performance. The value of the scholarship varies, but students need to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.
- Ostlund Scholarship. This college-sponsored scholarship is given to students studying Construction Management at UF’s College of Design, Construction, and Planning. To be eligible you have to be a full-time student and a Florida resident. You must also be in good standing with the college and university.
- Roofing Industry Alliance Scholarship. Prospective students who will be enrolling in construction management programs are eligible for this scholarship. The value varies and the student must remain in good standing with the university.
- Cynthia W Colangelo Award for Breast Cancer Awareness. This scholarship is for students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences who are involved in community service and activities raising awareness about breast cancer. It is valued at $250 to $1,000.
- Jack and Edith Moore Endowed Scholarship/Fellowship. This need-based scholarship is for graduate students in their fourth, fifth, or sixth year in the School of Architecture. The amount of the scholarship varies and is determined by the Office of Student Affairs.
University of Florida Average Net Price by Income
| Family Income | University of Florida Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | N/A |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $1,385 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $5,590 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $11,831 |
| $110,001 and up | $13,836 |
If you are a student who is deemed to have a need for financial aid or an exceptional student, UF may issue a fee waiver and deduct some of the fees related to the cost of attendance. The prices in the table above are after financial aid is subtracted.
How to Calculate University of Florida’s Cost
The cost of attendance for prospective students at the University of Florida will vary based on several factors. First, your residency status plays a big part in your tuition cost. In-state prospective students should provide information and documentation to prove their residency. Florida residents pay less in tuition than non-Florida residents.
Be sure to consider how financial aid will affect your costs since the vast majority of UF students receive some form of financial aid. Scholarships and grants can greatly lessen the amount that you have to pay to attend UF.
Also look into any tuition waivers available to you, such as an application fee waiver. UF also offers a financial planning guide so that you can make the necessary arrangements for tuition before you enroll.
Is the Cost of College Too High?
No, the cost of college at the University of Florida is not too high, especially if you get a scholarship or grant. The Office of Student Veteran Services offers various financial benefits for veterans and for those who are in active service or are dependents of military personnel. There are also numerous aid programs that can help lessen the cost of college for you.
Moreover, those who are eligible for in-state tuition will be looking at a lower per-credit fee when they enroll. You can also save money during your college education through participating in work-study programs, living with your family, and continuously applying for merit-based scholarships if you are an excellent student.
University of Florida Student Debt
- Students Receiving Federal Loans: 15%
- Median Debt After Graduation: $15,580
- Average Monthly Loan Payment: $156
Only 15 percent of students of the University of Florida are recipients of federal student loans, according to the Department of Education’s College Scorecard. After graduation, students have a median student loan debt of $15,580, with an average monthly payment of $156. Student loans are a form of aid that has to be repaid, sometimes with interest.
Aside from federal student loans, there are many other loan programs available for students. These are offered by banks and other financial institutions and include many options for payment plans. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) report linked above, only one percent of UF students used other student loan programs.
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University of Florida Tuition Payment Plans
The University of Florida offers an alternative tuition payment plan to its students called the Florida Prepaid College Plan. While this payment plan does not cover 100 percent of tuition and fees, it lessens the annual cost of tuition. Florida Prepaid is a financial program wherein the student’s education is prepaid at a guaranteed fixed rate.
University of Florida Graduate Salaries and Outcomes
University of Florida graduates earn an average salary of $57,608, with 53 percent of graduates securing full-time employment, according to their website. Students find employment with top companies such as Amazon, Lockheed Martin, and Oracle. Graduates are employed in various states, the top five of which are Florida, Georgia, New York, Texas, and California.
Many graduates are employed as engineers, including civil, aerospace, electrical, and chemical engineers, and other types. Other top careers for graduates include health practitioners such as doctors, nurses, and veterinarians. Just over six percent of graduates are employed in finance and insurance, while 4.7 percent are in retail.
How to Save Money in College
- Work in college. One of the best ways to save and earn money in college is to work. Student employment is common in college and can help you pay for tuition while still in school. There are various work-study programs available to make working easier for students.
- Fill out and submit the FAFSA every year. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your federal financial aid eligibility, so be sure to submit the form while you are applying to UF. Various government agencies also base their grant and scholarship decisions on your FAFSA results.
- Avoid unnecessary fees. Late payment fees and library fines can cost you. To save money in college, avoid late payment fees and be sure to keep track of any additional student payments that you need to take care of.
- Sell your textbooks when you’re done. Textbooks are not cheap. Law students, for example, have many expensive books. One way to save money is to sell your textbooks when you’re done with them to students who need them or to student bookstores, which often buy books back.
- Live at home. If you are a Florida resident, it’s best to live at home to save on room and board. If you don’t live in Florida but have family in Gainesville or elsewhere in the state, see if it’s possible to live with them. Note that some schools require living in the state for at least a year before the school year begins to be considered a resident.
Is the University of Florida Affordable?
Yes, the University of Florida is affordable. However, its affordability is subject to several factors, such as your family’s annual income and your continuous enrollment.
Moreover, there are many financial aid options available, not only for incoming students but also for current students. Scholarships and grants are available for outstanding achievement in athletics, academics, and other areas as well as for students with financial needs.
University of Florida Cost FAQ
The undergraduate admission requirements for the University of Florida include your high school and any college transcripts, and a list of your high school activities including jobs and extracurricular activities. Your ACT or SAT scores are also required.
The University of Florida offers associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees for research and professional practice. The University of Florida also offers certificate programs, such as post-baccalaureate and post-master’s certificates, as well as those that take less than a year to complete.
Yes, some of them do. For example, the FAFSA form should be submitted during the application process for your UF program to determine your eligibility for federal aid. Some scholarships and grants, especially those given by private organizations, require a separate application. Student loans from banks and other credit companies may also require a separate application.
No, student loans are not bad. However, you have to consider the cons of borrowing money for school, whether from the government or a private organization. One of these is the impact it could have on your debt-to-income ratio, which could affect your eligibility for another loan in the future. It can also lead to delinquency if you fall behind on your payments.
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