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University of Alabama vs University of Florida

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

80.0% Alabama acceptance
23.0% UF acceptance
$16,768 UF cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Public
Founded
1831
Enrollment
39,975
Setting
Suburban
UF
Gainesville, Florida
Public
Founded
1853
Enrollment
55,211
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UF saves $3,742
Alabama
$32,400
UF
$28,658
Acceptance Rate UF more selective
Alabama
80.0%
UF
23.0%
Graduation Rate UF higher
Alabama
73%
UF
90%
Avg SAT Score UF higher
Alabama
1260
UF
1390
Starting Salary UF higher
Alabama
$58,400
UF
$64,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Alabama UF Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$32,400$28,658UF
Tuition (In-State)$11,580$6,380UF
Room & Board$12,100$11,650UF
Acceptance Rate80.0%23.0%UF
Graduation Rate73%90%UF
Average SAT12601390UF
Student-Faculty Ratio19:117:1UF
Enrollment39,97555,211-
Avg Financial Aid$13,100$12,860Alabama
Starting Salary$58,400$64,200UF
Endowment$2.2B$2.7BUF
Campus Size1,168 acres2,000 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Alabama
$178,000
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UF
$161,232
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Alabama = $125,600 | UF = $109,792. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Alabama Top Majors

BusinessNursingEngineeringCommunicationBiology

UF Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AlabamaSuburban
UFSuburban
Campus Size
Alabama1,168 ac
UF2,000 ac
Athletics
AlabamaNCAA D1
UFNCAA D1
Region
AlabamaSouth
UFSouth
Founded
Alabama1831
UF1853
Enrollment
Alabama39,975
UF55,211

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alabama or UF harder to get into?+
UF is more selective with an acceptance rate of 23.0% compared to 80.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Alabama or UF?+
At sticker price, UF costs less over 4 years ($161,232 vs $178,000). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Alabama offers an average of $13,100/year in aid while UF offers $12,860/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Alabama and UF?+
The average SAT score at Alabama is 1260 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 Alabama or UF graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UF have a higher average starting salary ($64,200 vs $58,400). 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?+
Alabama has a 19:1 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 Alabama and UF compare for campus life?+
Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,168-acre campus. UF is in Gainesville, Florida (suburban setting) with 2,000 acres. Alabama competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UF in NCAA D1.