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Boston University vs University of Florida

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

11.3% BU acceptance
23.0% UF acceptance
$176,520 UF cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

BU
Boston, Massachusetts
Private
Founded
1839
Enrollment
37,110
Setting
Urban
UF
Gainesville, Florida
Public
Founded
1853
Enrollment
55,211
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UF saves $36,510
BU
$65,168
UF
$28,658
Acceptance Rate BU more selective
BU
11.3%
UF
23.0%
Graduation Rate UF higher
BU
89%
UF
90%
Avg SAT Score BU higher
BU
1450
UF
1390
Starting Salary BU higher
BU
$72,300
UF
$64,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric BU UF Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,168$28,658UF
Tuition (In-State)$65,168$6,380UF
Room & Board$19,270$11,650UF
Acceptance Rate11.3%23.0%BU
Graduation Rate89%90%UF
Average SAT14501390BU
Student-Faculty Ratio10:117:1BU
Enrollment37,11055,211-
Avg Financial Aid$38,100$12,860BU
Starting Salary$72,300$64,200BU
Endowment$3.7B$2.7BBU
Campus Size136 acres2,000 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

BU
$337,752
4-year total (private)
VS
UF
$161,232
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: BU = $185,352 | UF = $109,792. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

BU Top Majors

BusinessCommunicationEngineeringBiologyComputer Science

UF Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
BUUrban
UFSuburban
Campus Size
BU136 ac
UF2,000 ac
Athletics
BUNCAA D1
UFNCAA D1
Region
BUNortheast
UFSouth
Founded
BU1839
UF1853
Enrollment
BU37,110
UF55,211

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is BU or UF harder to get into?+
BU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 11.3% compared to 23.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, BU or UF?+
At sticker price, UF costs less over 4 years ($161,232 vs $337,752). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. BU offers an average of $38,100/year in aid while UF offers $12,860/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for BU and UF?+
The average SAT score at BU is 1450 and at UF it is 1390. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do BU or UF graduates earn more?+
Graduates of BU have a higher average starting salary ($72,300 vs $64,200). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
BU has a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UF has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do BU and UF compare for campus life?+
BU is located in Boston, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 136-acre campus. UF is in Gainesville, Florida (suburban setting) with 2,000 acres. BU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UF in NCAA D1.