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Harvard University vs University of Florida

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

3.2% Harvard acceptance
23.0% UF acceptance
$157,440 UF cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Harvard
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Private
Founded
1636
Enrollment
31,345
Setting
Urban
UF
Gainesville, Florida
Public
Founded
1853
Enrollment
55,211
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UF saves $30,418
Harvard
$59,076
UF
$28,658
Acceptance Rate Harvard more selective
Harvard
3.2%
UF
23.0%
Graduation Rate Harvard higher
Harvard
97%
UF
90%
Avg SAT Score Harvard higher
Harvard
1550
UF
1390
Starting Salary Harvard higher
Harvard
$95,500
UF
$64,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Harvard UF Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$59,076$28,658UF
Tuition (In-State)$59,076$6,380UF
Room & Board$20,592$11,650UF
Acceptance Rate3.2%23.0%Harvard
Graduation Rate97%90%Harvard
Average SAT15501390Harvard
Student-Faculty Ratio5:117:1Harvard
Enrollment31,34555,211-
Avg Financial Aid$60,157$12,860Harvard
Starting Salary$95,500$64,200Harvard
Endowment$50.9B$2.7BHarvard
Campus Size5,076 acres2,000 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Harvard
$318,672
4-year total (private)
VS
UF
$161,232
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Harvard = $78,044 | UF = $109,792. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Harvard Top Majors

EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceMathematicsHistory

UF Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
HarvardUrban
UFSuburban
Campus Size
Harvard5,076 ac
UF2,000 ac
Athletics
HarvardNCAA D1
UFNCAA D1
Region
HarvardNortheast
UFSouth
Founded
Harvard1636
UF1853
Enrollment
Harvard31,345
UF55,211

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harvard or UF harder to get into?+
Harvard is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.2% compared to 23.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Harvard or UF?+
At sticker price, UF costs less over 4 years ($161,232 vs $318,672). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Harvard offers an average of $60,157/year in aid while UF offers $12,860/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Harvard and UF?+
The average SAT score at Harvard is 1550 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 Harvard or UF graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Harvard have a higher average starting salary ($95,500 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?+
Harvard has a 5:1 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 Harvard and UF compare for campus life?+
Harvard is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 5,076-acre campus. UF is in Gainesville, Florida (suburban setting) with 2,000 acres. Harvard competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UF in NCAA D1.