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University of Florida vs University of Maryland

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

23.0% UF acceptance
44.0% Maryland acceptance
$57,328 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
Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
41,200
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UF saves $11,648
UF
$28,658
Maryland
$40,306
Acceptance Rate UF more selective
UF
23.0%
Maryland
44.0%
Graduation Rate UF higher
UF
90%
Maryland
88%
Avg SAT Score Maryland higher
UF
1390
Maryland
1410
Starting Salary Maryland higher
UF
$64,200
Maryland
$70,900

Detailed Comparison

Metric UF Maryland Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$28,658$40,306UF
Tuition (In-State)$6,380$11,505UF
Room & Board$11,650$14,334UF
Acceptance Rate23.0%44.0%UF
Graduation Rate90%88%UF
Average SAT13901410Maryland
Student-Faculty Ratio17:118:1UF
Enrollment55,21141,200-
Avg Financial Aid$12,860$14,200Maryland
Starting Salary$64,200$70,900Maryland
Endowment$2.7B$2.3BUF
Campus Size2,000 acres1,335 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UF
$161,232
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Maryland
$218,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UF = $109,792 | Maryland = $161,760. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UF Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Maryland Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringBusinessCriminology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UFSuburban
MarylandSuburban
Campus Size
UF2,000 ac
Maryland1,335 ac
Athletics
UFNCAA D1
MarylandNCAA D1
Region
UFSouth
MarylandNortheast
Founded
UF1853
Maryland1856
Enrollment
UF55,211
Maryland41,200

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UF or Maryland harder to get into?+
UF is more selective with an acceptance rate of 23.0% compared to 44.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UF or Maryland?+
At sticker price, UF costs less over 4 years ($161,232 vs $218,560). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UF offers an average of $12,860/year in aid while Maryland offers $14,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UF and Maryland?+
The average SAT score at UF is 1390 and at Maryland it is 1410. 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 Maryland graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Maryland have a higher average starting salary ($70,900 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 Maryland has 18:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UF and Maryland compare for campus life?+
UF is located in Gainesville, Florida (suburban setting) with a 2,000-acre campus. Maryland is in College Park, Maryland (suburban setting) with 1,335 acres. UF competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Maryland in NCAA D1.