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MIT vs University of Florida

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

3.9% MIT acceptance
23.0% UF acceptance
$146,088 UF cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

MIT
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Private
Founded
1861
Enrollment
11,858
Setting
Urban
UF
Gainesville, Florida
Public
Founded
1853
Enrollment
55,211
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UF saves $29,582
MIT
$58,240
UF
$28,658
Acceptance Rate MIT more selective
MIT
3.9%
UF
23.0%
Graduation Rate MIT higher
MIT
95%
UF
90%
Avg SAT Score MIT higher
MIT
1556
UF
1390
Starting Salary MIT higher
MIT
$104,800
UF
$64,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric MIT UF Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$58,240$28,658UF
Tuition (In-State)$58,240$6,380UF
Room & Board$18,590$11,650UF
Acceptance Rate3.9%23.0%MIT
Graduation Rate95%90%MIT
Average SAT15561390MIT
Student-Faculty Ratio3:117:1MIT
Enrollment11,85855,211-
Avg Financial Aid$46,890$12,860MIT
Starting Salary$104,800$64,200MIT
Endowment$27.4B$2.7BMIT
Campus Size168 acres2,000 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

MIT
$307,320
4-year total (private)
VS
UF
$161,232
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: MIT = $119,760 | UF = $109,792. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

MIT Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringMathematicsPhysicsBiology

UF Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
MITUrban
UFSuburban
Campus Size
MIT168 ac
UF2,000 ac
Athletics
MITNCAA D3
UFNCAA D1
Region
MITNortheast
UFSouth
Founded
MIT1861
UF1853
Enrollment
MIT11,858
UF55,211

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is MIT or UF harder to get into?+
MIT is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.9% compared to 23.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, MIT or UF?+
At sticker price, UF costs less over 4 years ($161,232 vs $307,320). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. MIT offers an average of $46,890/year in aid while UF offers $12,860/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for MIT and UF?+
The average SAT score at MIT is 1556 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 MIT or UF graduates earn more?+
Graduates of MIT have a higher average starting salary ($104,800 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?+
MIT has a 3:1 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 MIT and UF compare for campus life?+
MIT is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 168-acre campus. UF is in Gainesville, Florida (suburban setting) with 2,000 acres. MIT competes in NCAA D3 athletics and UF in NCAA D1.