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Rutgers University vs University of Florida

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

68.0% Rutgers acceptance
23.0% UF acceptance
$35,904 UF cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Rutgers
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Public
Founded
1766
Enrollment
51,000
Setting
Suburban
UF
Gainesville, Florida
Public
Founded
1853
Enrollment
55,211
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UF saves $5,806
Rutgers
$34,464
UF
$28,658
Acceptance Rate UF more selective
Rutgers
68.0%
UF
23.0%
Graduation Rate UF higher
Rutgers
82%
UF
90%
Avg SAT Score UF higher
Rutgers
1340
UF
1390
Starting Salary Rutgers higher
Rutgers
$67,200
UF
$64,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Rutgers UF Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$34,464$28,658UF
Tuition (In-State)$16,499$6,380UF
Room & Board$14,820$11,650UF
Acceptance Rate68.0%23.0%UF
Graduation Rate82%90%UF
Average SAT13401390UF
Student-Faculty Ratio16:117:1Rutgers
Enrollment51,00055,211-
Avg Financial Aid$14,500$12,860Rutgers
Starting Salary$67,200$64,200Rutgers
Endowment$2.0B$2.7BUF
Campus Size2,685 acres2,000 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Rutgers
$197,136
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UF
$161,232
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Rutgers = $139,136 | UF = $109,792. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Rutgers Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

UF Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
RutgersSuburban
UFSuburban
Campus Size
Rutgers2,685 ac
UF2,000 ac
Athletics
RutgersNCAA D1
UFNCAA D1
Region
RutgersNortheast
UFSouth
Founded
Rutgers1766
UF1853
Enrollment
Rutgers51,000
UF55,211

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rutgers or UF harder to get into?+
UF is more selective with an acceptance rate of 23.0% compared to 68.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Rutgers or UF?+
At sticker price, UF costs less over 4 years ($161,232 vs $197,136). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Rutgers offers an average of $14,500/year in aid while UF offers $12,860/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Rutgers and UF?+
The average SAT score at Rutgers is 1340 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 Rutgers or UF graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Rutgers have a higher average starting salary ($67,200 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?+
Rutgers has a 16:1 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 Rutgers and UF compare for campus life?+
Rutgers is located in New Brunswick, New Jersey (suburban setting) with a 2,685-acre campus. UF is in Gainesville, Florida (suburban setting) with 2,000 acres. Rutgers competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UF in NCAA D1.