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University of Florida vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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

23.0% UF acceptance
44.8% UIUC acceptance
$36,704 UF cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

UF
Gainesville, Florida
Public
Founded
1853
Enrollment
55,211
Setting
Suburban
UIUC
Champaign, Illinois
Public
Founded
1867
Enrollment
56,607
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UF saves $7,410
UF
$28,658
UIUC
$36,068
Acceptance Rate UF more selective
UF
23.0%
UIUC
44.8%
Graduation Rate UF higher
UF
90%
UIUC
87%
Avg SAT Score Same
UF
1390
UIUC
1390
Starting Salary UIUC higher
UF
$64,200
UIUC
$72,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric UF UIUC Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$28,658$36,068UF
Tuition (In-State)$6,380$16,862UF
Room & Board$11,650$13,416UF
Acceptance Rate23.0%44.8%UF
Graduation Rate90%87%UF
Average SAT13901390Tie
Student-Faculty Ratio17:120:1UF
Enrollment55,21156,607-
Avg Financial Aid$12,860$16,470UIUC
Starting Salary$64,200$72,400UIUC
Endowment$2.7B$3.5BUIUC
Campus Size2,000 acres1,783 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UF
$161,232
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UIUC
$197,936
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UF = $109,792 | UIUC = $132,056. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UF Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

UIUC Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessBiologyEconomics

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UFSuburban
UIUCUrban
Campus Size
UF2,000 ac
UIUC1,783 ac
Athletics
UFNCAA D1
UIUCNCAA D1
Region
UFSouth
UIUCMidwest
Founded
UF1853
UIUC1867
Enrollment
UF55,211
UIUC56,607

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UF or UIUC harder to get into?+
UF is more selective with an acceptance rate of 23.0% compared to 44.8%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UF or UIUC?+
At sticker price, UF costs less over 4 years ($161,232 vs $197,936). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UF offers an average of $12,860/year in aid while UIUC offers $16,470/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UF and UIUC?+
The average SAT score at UF is 1390 and at UIUC 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 UF or UIUC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UIUC have a higher average starting salary ($72,400 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?+
UF has a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UIUC has 20:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UF and UIUC compare for campus life?+
UF is located in Gainesville, Florida (suburban setting) with a 2,000-acre campus. UIUC is in Champaign, Illinois (urban setting) with 1,783 acres. UF competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UIUC in NCAA D1.