
The University of Florida is located in Gainsville, Florida and is one of the three largest single campus universities in the US. It is one of three research flagship universities within the State University System of Florida and is the most prestigious school of higher learning in the state.
The University of Florida has a 2,000 acre campus and has been recognized as a "Public Ivy" facility. It has 150 research centers and institutes and is the home of 16 colleges.
History
The Buckman Act of 1905 consolidated all Florida colleges into three institutions that were segregated by race and sex. They were:
- The Florida Female College for white women.
- The University of the State of Florida for white men
- The State Normal School for Coloured Students, which accommodated African American men and women
The State University System of Florida was reorganized by the Buckman Act and allowed the system to be governed by the Florida Board of Control, which chose Gainsville for the new campus. 102 students were welcomed there on September 26, 1906.
The name of the school was changed from the University of the State of Florida to the University of Florida in 1909. In 1911, the alligator was chosen as the school's mascot.
In 1924, the Florida Legislature mandated that women over the age of 21 years and who had completed 60 semester hours could enrol at the University of Florida in programs that weren't offered at the Florida State College for Women. Lucy Goodbread-Black enrolled at the College of Agriculture in 1925. She was the first woman to attend the University of Florida.
When WWII ended, many returning military men applied to the University of Florida under the GI Bill of Rights. The University couldn't meet the demand and the Tallahassee Branch was opened on the campus of the Florida State College for Women. 954 men had enrolled by 1947. To meet the demand the Florida State College for Women reverted to co-ed status and the name changed to Florida State University.
By 1958, a medical school and Shands Hospital had been founded and African American students were allowed to enrol. Campus expansion increased dramatically at this point and continues to do so.
Many of the buildings on the campus of the University of Florida have significant historical value. The Historic District covers about 650 acres and is comprised of 19 buildings, some of which are listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. Examples include:
- Buckman Hall
- Century Tower
- Carlton Auditorium
- Florida Gymnasium
- Women's Gymnasium
- Mallory Hall
- Infirmary
- The Hub
- Plaza of the Americas
Academics
Students world-wide attend the University of Florida. Professional degree programs include but are not limited to:
- Law
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Veterinary Medicine
The University of Florida ranks 17th in the US for the largest international student body. It ranks 2nd in the US for bachelor degrees awarded to African Americans and 3rd for Hispanic students.
The application process for the University of Florida is very competitive. The freshmen retention rate is 94%. Students who wish to apply to the University's honors program must do so after being accepted to the University. Over 100 programs are offered in the honors program. Freshmen must have a SAT score of 2070 and a GPA of 4.0 minimum.
The University of Florida is comprised of 16 colleges and over 100 educational research and service centers. It offers 200 graduate degrees and more than 100 undergraduate majors. Examples of colleges include:
- College of Nursing
- College of Medicine
- Levin College of Law
- College of Fine Arts
- College of Health and Human Performance
- Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences
Student Life
At Reetz Student Union students will find the Career Resource Center, which provides services for alumni and students. These services assist in career experiences, employment opportunities and career development.
More than 15% of undergraduate students belong to a fraternity or sorority. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Alpha Gamma Ro
- Delta Chi
- Kappa Sigma
- Sigma Chi
- Theta Chi
- Chi Omega
- Kappa Delta
- Delta Phi Epsilon
- Phi Mu
- Zeta Phi Beta
The Reserve Officer Training Corps was officially founded in 1905 and is the official training and commissioning program.
There is housing for 9200 students at the University of Florida. Privacy and cost vary.
Local Community
There is lots of green space on campus, including picnic areas, ponds, open space and a wildlife sanctuary that is comprised of 81-acres. The University owns Lake Alice and there are many recreational rivers and lakes in the area. Sports facilities are plentiful both indoors and out, including the Student Recreation and Fitness Center, Plaza of the Americas and the University Golf Course.
Besides these, there are a wide range of museums, attractions, festivals, events, hiking trails, swimming, canoeing and wildlife viewing. There are also dozens of hotspots for those who enjoy a night out on the town.
Admission Requirements & Details
The information regarding admissions below may give you an idea of the candidates University of Florida accepts. The details may include application requirements and recommendations, as well as any AP college credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
Total enrollment at University of Florida is around 51,000 students. The enrollment breakdown by academic level is 14% enrolling as graduate students and 66% as undergraduate students.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $14,600. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. There is also a $30 application fee for those applying to a program. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- In-State: $4,500-$5,400
- Out-of-State: $26,000-$30,830
- Charges for part-time students are:
- State Residents: $150-$180 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $860-$1,000 per credit unit
- May offer prepaid tuition rates, allowing tuition to be purchased at current rates for future enrollment.
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 94% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 91% | $6,082 |
Receiving Student Loans | 25% | $5,850 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and alumni, University of Florida may offer student services like:- Online classes
- Classes offered on nights and weekends
- Remedial instructional courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Helping students find work after graduation
- Child care
Graduation Rates
With a very high graduation rate of around 87%, University of Florida is among the most successful schools in the area.
Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
---|---|
Students Graduating in 4 Years | 65% |
Graduating in 5 Years | 18% |
Graduating in 6 Years | 3% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
Campus: University of Florida
- Art and Design Program
- Clinical Audiology (Au.D.) Program
- Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Counseling Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Dance Program
- Dental Public Health Program
- Dietetics Program
- Endodontics Program
- English Language Program
- Health Services Administration Program
- Law Program
- Medical (M.D.) Program
- Music Program
- Nurse Midwifery Education Program
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) Program
- Nursing (MSN, DSN) Program
- Occupational Therapy (OT) Program
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Program
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program
- Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Program
- Pediatric Dentistry Program
- Periodontics Program
- Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) Program
- Prosthodontics Program
- Master's in Public Health (M.P.H.) Program
- School Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Speech-Language Pathology Program
- Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Education Program
- Theatre Program
- Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) Program
Campus: University of Florida at Jacksonville
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program
- * Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1968)
- Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) Program
- * Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (since 1939)
Intercollegiate Athletics
University of Florida is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports being in the NCAA Division I-A classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Baseball (Southeastern Conference)
- Basketball (Southeastern Conference)
- Track and Field (Southeastern Conference)
- Football (Southeastern Conference)
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by University of Florida by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Food Science (B, D, M)
- Agricultural Economics (B, D, M)
- Animal Science (B, D, M)
- Horticultural Science (B, D, M)
- Plant Sciences (B, D)
- Soil Science and Agronomy (B, D, M)
- Agronomy and Crop Science (D, M)
- Ornamental Horticulture (B)
- Agricultural and Food Products Processing
Architecture
- Architecture (B, D, M)
- Urban Planning (M)
- Landscape Architect (B, M)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B)
- Exercise Physiology (B, D, M)
- Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology (B, D, M)
- Zoology (B, D, M)
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences (D, M)
- Entomology (B, D, M)
- Ecology (D, M)
- Botany (B, D)
- Biostatistics (D, M)
- Plant Pathology, Phytopathology (D, M)
- Plant Molecular Biology (D)
- Epidemiology (D, M)
- Genetics (D)
- Molecular Biology (D, M)
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (B, D, M)
- Finance (B, M)
- Accounting (B, M)
- Advertising and Marketing (B, M)
- Management Science (B)
- Real Estate (M)
- Entrepreneurship (M)
Communications and Journalism
- Radio and Television (B)
- Public Relations (B)
- Advertising (B, M)
- Journalism (B)
- Media Studies (D, M)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Systems Analyst (M)
- Computer (B, M)
Education
- Elementary Education (B, M)
- Curriculum and Instruction (C, D, M)
- Agricultural Teacher Education (B, D, M)
- Special Education (B, C, D, M)
- Music Teacher Education (B, D, M)
- Art Teacher Education (B, M)
- College Student Counseling and Personnel Services (M)
- Science Teacher (M)
- Early Childhood Education (M)
- Educational Leadership and Administration (D, M)
- English and Language Arts Teacher Education (M)
- Social Studies Teacher Education (M)
- Higher Education Administration (D)
- Guidance Counselor (C, D, M)
- Educational Statistics and Research Methods (D, M)
- Mathematics Teacher Education (M)
- Reading Teacher and Literacy Specialist (M)
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Chemical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Systems Engineering (B, D, M)
- Electrical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Civil Engineering (B, D, M)
- Computer Engineering (B, D, M)
- Materials Engineering (B, D, M)
- Environmental and Environmental Health Engineering (B, D, M)
- Biomedical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Nuclear Engineering (B, D, M)
- Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Bioengineering (B, D, M)
- Biological, Biosystems Engineering (B)
- Ocean Engineering (D, M)
Engineering Technology
- Construction Engineering Technology (B, M)
- Survey Technology (B)
- Engineering Technologies (M)
English Language and Literature
- English (B, D, M)
- Creative Writing (M)
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Family and Community Services (B, M)
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Linguistics (B, D, M)
- Spanish Language and Literature (B, M)
- Classical Languages, Literatures and Linguistics (B, D)
- French Language and Literature (B, M)
- Russian Language and Literature (B)
- German Language and Literature (B)
- Portuguese Language and Literature (B)
- Latin Language and Literature (M)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Pharmacy (D)
- Health Services (B)
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration (D, M)
- Nursing (B, M)
- Community Health and Preventive Medicine (B, M)
- Medicine (D)
- Veterinary Medicine (D)
- Public Health (D, M)
- Dentistry (D)
- Physician Assistant (M)
- Audiology and Speech Pathology (B, D, M)
- Physical Therapy (D)
- Audiology, Hearing Sciences (D)
- Occupational Therapy (M)
- Nursing Practice (D)
- Veterinary Sciences (D, M)
- Healthcare Administration (D, M)
- Mental Health Counseling (C, M)
- Athletic Training (B)
- Dental Clinical Sciences (M)
- Marriage and Family Therapy (C, M)
- Rehabilitation Science (D)
- Nursing Science (D)
- Environmental Health (M)
History
- History (B, D, M)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- International and Global Studies (B)
- Sustainability Studies (B)
- Museum Studies (M)
- Nutrition (D)
- Historic Preservation and Conservation (M)
Legal Professions and Studies
- Law (D)
- Tax Law, Taxation (M)
- International Business, Trade and Tax Law (M)
- Comparative Law (M)
- Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Law (M)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (B, D, M)
- Statistics (B, D, M)
Natural Resources and Conservation
- Forestry (B, D, M)
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management (B, D, M)
- Environmental Science (B)
- Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management (D, M)
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (B, D, M)
- Religious Studies (B, D, M)
- Jewish and Judaic Studies (B)
Physical Sciences
Psychology
- Psychology (B, D, M)
- School Psychology (C, D, M)
- Counseling Psychology (D)
- Educational Psychology
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Sports Management (B, M)
- Parks and Recreation Management (B, M)
Security and Protective Services
- Fire Science (B)
Social Sciences
- Political Science (B, D, M)
- Economics (B, D)
- Anthropology (B, D, M)
- Criminology (B, D, M)
- Sociology (B, D, M)
- Geography (B, D, M)
- International Relations (M)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Arts (B, M)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (B, M)
- Dance (B)
- Music (B, D, M)
- Graphic Design (B)
- Interior Design (B, M)
- Digital Arts (B, M)
- Art History (B, D, M)
Other 4-Year Public Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to University of Florida.
- University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL (69 miles away)
- Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA (100 miles away)
- University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL (102 miles away)
- University of South Florida in Tampa, FL (110 miles away)
- College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, GA (118 miles away)
Also, you can compare schools by looking through our list of colleges & universities:
- Review a complete list of all the Florida colleges
- Get a list of all state universities in Florida