University of Florida (UF) vs West Virginia University (WVU)

Nestled in the vibrant city of Gainesville, Florida, the University of Florida (UF) stands as a beacon of academic excellence, while in the heart of Morgantown, West Virginia, West Virginia University (WVU) thrives as a research-intensive institution. Both universities offer a diverse range of academic programs, vibrant student life, and opportunities for personal growth. However, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to discover the differences in acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, graduation rates, and more. Whether you seek the bustling energy of a large university or the close-knit community of a smaller institution, this side-by-side analysis will guide you towards the perfect fit for your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of Florida	West Virginia University
Overview
Location	Gainesville, Florida	Morgantown, West Virginia
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
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%	81.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	30.1%	89.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $30	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $60
SAT range	1300 - 1470	1030 - 1230
ACT range	29 - 33	21 - 27
Students submitting SAT score	79.0%	57.0%
Students submitting ACT score	46.0%	38.0%
Total number of applicants	51,207	17,074
Total number of admissions given out	15,431	15,336
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,787	4,313
Yield rate	44.0%	28.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $21,431 Out of state: $43,709	In state: $21,756 Out of state: $38,100
Average net price	$9,809	$13,422
Tuition	In state: $4,477 Out of state: $25,694	In state: $8,976 Out of state: $25,320
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,800 Meal plan: $4,600	Room/dormitory: $6,184 Meal plan: $5,504
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	91.0% Average amount $12,758	89.0% Average amount $10,867
Students receiving federal student loan	9.0% Average amount $4,927	52.0% Average amount $5,294
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $17,527	15.0% Average amount $16,332

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	34,876 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%	19,599 Men 47.9% Women 52.1%
Graduate students	20,905 Men 42.1% Women 57.9%	5,875 Men 44.4% Women 55.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Very Low
Out-of-state students	16.5%	55.3%
International students	8.0%	5.3%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	11,373	6,956
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	West Virginia Pennsylvania Virginia Maryland Ohio

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Health Professions Business Communication and Journalism Computer and Information Science	Health Professions Business Engineering Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	18:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	90.9%	63.9%
Dropout rate	2.5%	11.3%
Transferred out	5.7%	22.5%
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: $112,323 Year 2: $125,015 Year 3: $143,709 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $103,140 Year 2: $118,155 Year 3: $119,358 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,573 Year 2: $94,763 Year 3: $96,536 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,732 Year 2: $81,997 Year 3: $91,425 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,711 Year 2: $81,333 Year 3: $82,001 Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,468 Year 2: $61,303 Year 3: $79,782 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,292 Year 2: $68,047 Year 3: $77,798 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,506 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $77,273 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,040 Year 2: $65,238 Year 3: $76,205 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,477 Year 2: $66,069 Year 3: $76,022

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Florida (UF) and West Virginia University (WVU)?

The University of Florida (UF) is a large, public research university located in Gainesville, Florida, known for its strong academic programs, particularly in engineering, business, and law, and its vibrant campus life. West Virginia University (WVU), located in Morgantown, West Virginia, is also a large, public research university, but it's known for its focus on natural resources, energy, and health sciences, as well as its strong sense of community and outdoor recreational opportunities. UF has a warmer climate and a more urban surrounding environment, while WVU offers a more rural setting with distinct seasons.
How do the academic reputations of UF and WVU compare?

UF generally holds a higher national ranking than WVU. UF is often recognized for its research output and the quality of its graduate programs. WVU is also a respected research institution, particularly in its areas of specialization like energy and forensic science, but its overall national ranking is typically lower than UF's. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
What is the cost of attendance at UF versus WVU?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency. Generally, UF is more affordable for Florida residents than WVU is for out-of-state students. WVU offers more affordable tuition for West Virginia residents. Be sure to check the latest tuition and fees on each university's official website for the most up-to-date information, and factor in living expenses, which can vary depending on your lifestyle.
What are the campus environments like at UF and WVU?

UF's campus is located in Gainesville, a mid-sized city in Florida. The campus is large and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. The climate is warm year-round. WVU's campus is located in Morgantown, a smaller city in West Virginia. The campus is spread across several areas of the city and offers a more traditional college town feel. WVU experiences all four seasons, with colder winters and warmer summers.
What student life and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

Both UF and WVU offer a wide range of student activities, including clubs, organizations, sports, and Greek life. UF has a larger student body, which translates to a greater variety of clubs and organizations. WVU is known for its strong school spirit and passionate fan base, particularly for its football team. Both universities offer opportunities for students to get involved in research, community service, and leadership development.
How do the athletic programs at UF and WVU compare?

UF is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and has a highly competitive athletic program, particularly in football, basketball, and baseball. WVU is a member of the Big 12 Conference and is known for its strong football and basketball programs. Both universities offer a variety of varsity and intramural sports for students to participate in or support.
What are the career opportunities like after graduating from UF versus WVU?

Career opportunities after graduation depend on your field of study. UF's location in Florida provides access to a growing job market in areas like technology, healthcare, and tourism. WVU's location in West Virginia offers opportunities in industries such as energy, natural resources, and healthcare. Both universities have career services offices that provide resources and support to help students find internships and jobs after graduation. UF's larger alumni network can be an advantage in some fields.
Which university is better for students interested in specific fields of study?

UF is generally considered stronger in areas like engineering, business, law, and medicine. WVU is known for its programs in natural resources, energy, forensic science, and health sciences. Research the specific departments and faculty within each university to determine which program best aligns with your academic and career goals.
What are the admission requirements for UF and WVU?

Admission requirements vary depending on the program and your academic background. Generally, UF is more competitive to get into than WVU. Both universities require a strong academic record, including high school GPA and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). Check each university's admissions website for specific requirements and deadlines.
How do the surrounding cities of Gainesville (UF) and Morgantown (WVU) compare?

Gainesville is a larger city with a more diverse population and a wider range of cultural and entertainment options. It's located closer to major metropolitan areas like Orlando and Jacksonville. Morgantown is a smaller, more traditional college town with a strong sense of community. It offers access to outdoor recreational activities like hiking, skiing, and whitewater rafting. The cost of living in Morgantown is generally lower than in Gainesville.

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