University of Florida (UF) vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (UMN)

Envision yourself as a student, embarking on a journey of higher education. As you navigate the vast landscape of universities, two prominent institutions emerge: the University of Florida (UF) and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (UMN). While both offer exceptional academic opportunities, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your decision. UF, nestled in the vibrant city of Gainesville, boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse student body from across the nation. UMN, situated in the vibrant Twin Cities, stands out with its rigorous admissions process, resulting in a student body predominantly from Minnesota. Explore the comparison table to delve into further details, such as popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that will help you determine the ideal fit for your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of Florida	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Overview
Location	Gainesville, Florida	Minneapolis, Minnesota
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	97.0%	92.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	30.1%	73.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $30	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1300 - 1470	1310 - 1490
ACT range	29 - 33	27 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	79.0%	7.0%
Students submitting ACT score	46.0%	41.0%
Total number of applicants	51,207	35,905
Total number of admissions given out	15,431	26,295
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,787	6,883
Yield rate	44.0%	26.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $21,431 Out of state: $43,709	In state: $29,416 Out of state: $47,980
Average net price	$9,809	$17,468
Tuition	In state: $4,477 Out of state: $25,694	In state: $13,532 Out of state: $32,096
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,800 Meal plan: $4,600	Room/dormitory: $6,654 Meal plan: $4,860
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	91.0% Average amount $12,758	65.0% Average amount $10,362
Students receiving federal student loan	9.0% Average amount $4,927	37.0% Average amount $5,188
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $17,527	10.0% Average amount $14,830

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	34,876 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%	36,209 Men 45.4% Women 54.6%
Graduate students	20,905 Men 42.1% Women 57.9%	16,167 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	16.5%	28.7%
International students	8.0%	9.7%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	11,373	7,558
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida New York New Jersey Georgia Virginia	Minnesota Wisconsin Illinois North Dakota California

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Health Professions Business Communication and Journalism Computer and Information Science	Health Professions Engineering Business Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	90.9%	84.2%
Dropout rate	2.5%	5.2%
Transferred out	5.7%	9.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $236,746 Year 2: $182,280 Year 3: $190,105 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $105,121 Year 2: $124,099 Year 3: $145,544 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $94,054 Year 2: $113,841 Year 3: $123,288 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $95,886 Year 2: $101,327 Year 3: $114,115 Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,755 Year 2: $96,183 Year 3: $108,258 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $67,716 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $107,267 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,155 Year 2: $91,363 Year 3: $103,214 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $98,110 Year 2: $92,885 Year 3: $98,739 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,353 Year 2: $90,146 Year 3: $98,185 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,540 Year 2: $88,546 Year 3: $97,968	Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $124,702 Year 2: $140,032 Year 3: $149,958 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $97,739 Year 2: $121,673 Year 3: $129,233 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $117,587 Year 2: $112,319 Year 3: $124,271 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $76,570 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $85,198 Computer Systems Analysis (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,084 Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $83,343 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,239 Year 2: $72,286 Year 3: $82,926 Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,261 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $82,547 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,091 Year 2: $72,022 Year 3: $79,753 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,745 Year 2: $70,176 Year 3: $79,071 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,508 Year 2: $68,943 Year 3: $78,938

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Florida (UF) and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (UMN) in terms of location and campus environment?

The University of Florida is located in Gainesville, a mid-sized city in north-central Florida, offering a warm, subtropical climate and a more traditional college town atmosphere. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, on the other hand, is situated in the heart of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, providing a vibrant urban environment with access to numerous cultural attractions, professional opportunities, and a distinct four-season climate.
How do UF and UMN compare in terms of academic reputation and rankings?

Both the University of Florida and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities are highly regarded public research universities. UF is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the nation, particularly known for its programs in agriculture, engineering, and business. UMN also holds a strong national ranking and is recognized for its programs in engineering, medicine, public health, and business. The specific rankings may vary slightly year to year, but both institutions offer excellent academic opportunities.
What is the cost of attendance difference between UF and UMN?

The cost of attendance varies significantly depending on residency. For in-state students, UF generally has a lower tuition cost compared to UMN. However, for out-of-state students, the tuition costs are more comparable, although UMN may be slightly higher. It's important to check the most recent tuition and fee schedules on each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information, and to factor in living expenses, which can vary depending on lifestyle and location.
How do the student bodies at UF and UMN differ in terms of size and diversity?

Both universities have large student populations. UF tends to have a slightly larger undergraduate population. In terms of diversity, both institutions strive to create inclusive environments. UF draws a significant portion of its students from within Florida, while UMN attracts students from across the Midwest and the nation. Both universities also have a substantial international student population, contributing to a diverse campus community.
What are the strengths of UF and UMN in specific academic areas?

UF is particularly strong in agricultural sciences, engineering (especially environmental and aerospace), business, and law. UMN excels in areas such as engineering (especially chemical and mechanical), medicine, public health, business, and law. Both universities offer a wide range of programs, but these are some of their areas of recognized excellence.
What kind of research opportunities are available at UF and UMN?

Both UF and UMN are major research universities with extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UF has a strong focus on research related to agriculture, life sciences, and engineering. UMN has a broad research portfolio, with strengths in medicine, engineering, and environmental sciences. Students at both universities can participate in research projects with faculty, contributing to cutting-edge discoveries.
How do the campus cultures and student life differ between UF and UMN?

UF has a strong emphasis on school spirit and a vibrant Greek life. The campus culture is generally more laid-back, reflecting the warmer climate. UMN, being located in a major metropolitan area, offers a more diverse range of student activities and cultural experiences. While school spirit is present, it may be less dominant than at UF. UMN also has a more active student government and a greater focus on civic engagement.
What career services and internship opportunities are available at UF and UMN?

Both UF and UMN offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. UMN's location in the Twin Cities provides students with access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities in various industries, including healthcare, technology, and finance. UF's location in Florida offers opportunities in industries such as tourism, agriculture, and aerospace. Both universities have strong alumni networks that can assist students in their career searches.
How do the athletic programs at UF and UMN compare?

Both UF and UMN have strong athletic programs and compete in the NCAA Division I. UF is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and is particularly known for its football, basketball, and baseball programs. UMN is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has strong programs in football, basketball, hockey, and volleyball. Both universities offer a wide range of varsity and intramural sports for students to participate in.
What are the advantages of attending a university in a large city (UMN) versus a college town (UF)?

Attending UMN in the Twin Cities offers access to a wide range of cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and professional opportunities. Students can easily explore different neighborhoods, attend concerts and sporting events, and network with professionals in their field. UF's location in Gainesville provides a more focused college experience, with a strong sense of community and a more affordable cost of living. Students can easily get involved in campus activities and build close relationships with their peers.

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