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University of Florida vs Vanderbilt University

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

23.0% UF acceptance
5.6% Vanderbilt acceptance
$166,232 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
Vanderbilt
Nashville, Tennessee
Private
Founded
1873
Enrollment
14,015
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UF saves $33,536
UF
$28,658
Vanderbilt
$62,194
Acceptance Rate Vanderbilt more selective
UF
23.0%
Vanderbilt
5.6%
Graduation Rate Vanderbilt higher
UF
90%
Vanderbilt
93%
Avg SAT Score Vanderbilt higher
UF
1390
Vanderbilt
1520
Starting Salary Vanderbilt higher
UF
$64,200
Vanderbilt
$76,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric UF Vanderbilt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$28,658$62,194UF
Tuition (In-State)$6,380$62,194UF
Room & Board$11,650$19,672UF
Acceptance Rate23.0%5.6%Vanderbilt
Graduation Rate90%93%Vanderbilt
Average SAT13901520Vanderbilt
Student-Faculty Ratio17:17:1Vanderbilt
Enrollment55,21114,015-
Avg Financial Aid$12,860$47,200Vanderbilt
Starting Salary$64,200$76,800Vanderbilt
Endowment$2.7B$10.9BVanderbilt
Campus Size2,000 acres330 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UF
$161,232
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Vanderbilt
$327,464
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UF = $109,792 | Vanderbilt = $138,664. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UF Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Vanderbilt Top Majors

EconomicsEngineeringMedicine/HealthComputer ScienceEducation

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UFSuburban
VanderbiltUrban
Campus Size
UF2,000 ac
Vanderbilt330 ac
Athletics
UFNCAA D1
VanderbiltNCAA D1
Region
UFSouth
VanderbiltSouth
Founded
UF1853
Vanderbilt1873
Enrollment
UF55,211
Vanderbilt14,015

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UF or Vanderbilt harder to get into?+
Vanderbilt is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.6% compared to 23.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UF or Vanderbilt?+
At sticker price, UF costs less over 4 years ($161,232 vs $327,464). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UF offers an average of $12,860/year in aid while Vanderbilt offers $47,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UF and Vanderbilt?+
The average SAT score at UF is 1390 and at Vanderbilt it is 1520. 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 Vanderbilt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Vanderbilt have a higher average starting salary ($76,800 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 Vanderbilt has 7:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UF and Vanderbilt compare for campus life?+
UF is located in Gainesville, Florida (suburban setting) with a 2,000-acre campus. Vanderbilt is in Nashville, Tennessee (urban setting) with 330 acres. UF competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Vanderbilt in NCAA D1.