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Stanford University vs University of Florida

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

3.6% Stanford acceptance
23.0% UF acceptance
$165,380 UF cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Stanford
Stanford, California
Private
Founded
1891
Enrollment
17,680
Setting
Suburban
UF
Gainesville, Florida
Public
Founded
1853
Enrollment
55,211
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UF saves $33,073
Stanford
$61,731
UF
$28,658
Acceptance Rate Stanford more selective
Stanford
3.6%
UF
23.0%
Graduation Rate Stanford higher
Stanford
95%
UF
90%
Avg SAT Score Stanford higher
Stanford
1550
UF
1390
Starting Salary Stanford higher
Stanford
$95,200
UF
$64,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Stanford UF Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$61,731$28,658UF
Tuition (In-State)$61,731$6,380UF
Room & Board$19,922$11,650UF
Acceptance Rate3.6%23.0%Stanford
Graduation Rate95%90%Stanford
Average SAT15501390Stanford
Student-Faculty Ratio5:117:1Stanford
Enrollment17,68055,211-
Avg Financial Aid$60,070$12,860Stanford
Starting Salary$95,200$64,200Stanford
Endowment$36.3B$2.7BStanford
Campus Size8,180 acres2,000 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Stanford
$326,612
4-year total (private)
VS
UF
$161,232
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Stanford = $86,332 | UF = $109,792. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Stanford Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBiologyEconomicsHuman Biology

UF Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
StanfordSuburban
UFSuburban
Campus Size
Stanford8,180 ac
UF2,000 ac
Athletics
StanfordNCAA D1
UFNCAA D1
Region
StanfordWest
UFSouth
Founded
Stanford1891
UF1853
Enrollment
Stanford17,680
UF55,211

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stanford or UF harder to get into?+
Stanford is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.6% compared to 23.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Stanford or UF?+
At sticker price, UF costs less over 4 years ($161,232 vs $326,612). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Stanford offers an average of $60,070/year in aid while UF offers $12,860/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Stanford and UF?+
The average SAT score at Stanford 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 Stanford or UF graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Stanford have a higher average starting salary ($95,200 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?+
Stanford 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 Stanford and UF compare for campus life?+
Stanford is located in Stanford, California (suburban setting) with a 8,180-acre campus. UF is in Gainesville, Florida (suburban setting) with 2,000 acres. Stanford competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UF in NCAA D1.