The University of Florida, located in Gainesville, is the largest university in the state of Florida and the fourth largest nationally with about 50,000 students; it is also the highest ranked university in Florida by U.S. News and World Report, which ranked it 47th overall.
The University of Florida has 16 different colleges and is a member of the Association of American Universities along with 61 other top-ranked North American institutions of higher learning. UF also ranked second on Kiplinger's list of best values among public universities, a list that looks at overall cost, financial aid and academic quality.
The high caliber of UF's athletics programs is another plus, as Florida had 12 teams ranking in the top 10 nationally during the 2008-2009 season.
UF had an acceptance rate of 39.5 percent last year and tuition costs were about $4,000 in-state and about $24,000 out-of-state.
University of Florida--Office of Admissions
201 Criser Hall
PO Box 114000
Gainesville, FL 32611-4000
352-392-1365
ufl.edu
The University of Miami, located in Coral Gables, is a private university with an enrollment of about 15,000 students. U.S. News and World Report ranked it second in the state of Florida and 50th nationally. Miami also made Kiplinger's list of best values among private institutions, coming in at 32nd. Miami consists of 12 colleges and offers more than 180 majors and programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The school prides itself on scientific research, for which it receives about $300 million each year in grant money. Athletics are a big focus in Miami as well, and it is a perennial football and baseball powerhouse. Miami's acceptance rate last year was 38.5 percent and tuition and fees came out to approximately $36,000.
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL 33124
305-284-2211
miami.edu
Florida State University, located in Tallahassee, is a public university with an enrollment of about 38,000 students. U.S. News and World Report ranked it third in Florida and 102nd nationally. Many of its smaller programs, including business, physics and creative writing have received national recognition. Kiplinger ranked FSU third in the state and 17th overall for value among public universities.
Florida State has more than 200 degree programs in a wide variety of areas, including niche majors such as geophysical fluid dynamics, meteorology and actuarial science. Last year's acceptance rate was 46.7 percent and tuition and fees totaled about $4,500 in-state and about $19,000 out-of-state.
Florida State University--Office of Admissions
A2500 University Center
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306
850-644-6200
fsu.edu