Florida vs. Nova

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Florida in Gainesville, FL with Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Florida is larger than Nova based on total student enrollment (56,311 students vs. 20,910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Florida is located in Gainesville, FL (Midsize City setting); Nova Southeastern University is in Fort Lauderdale, FL (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nova Southeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Florida 16:1; Nova Southeastern University 16:1.

Florida vs. Nova Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Florida or Nova? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Florida than Nova ($11,936 vs. $31,858).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Florida are 28% lower than at Nova Southeastern University ($12,120 vs. $16,840).
• Nova Southeastern University is 506.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Florida (about $32,319 more per year; $38,700.00 vs. $6,381.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35% higher at Nova than at University of Florida (about $10,041 more per year; $38,700.00 vs. $28,659.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nova Southeastern University than at University of Florida (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nova Southeastern University students is 130.2% larger than aid received by University of Florida students ($24,965 vs. $10,846).

Florida vs. Nova Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Florida or Nova? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Nova and Florida.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Florida (1400) is 230 points higher than at Nova (1170).
• Incoming Florida students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 23 at Nova).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Florida 1320/1480; Nova Southeastern University 1030/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Florida 29/33; Nova Southeastern University 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Florida - Required; Nova - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Florida Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Nova students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.99) than students at Florida (3.9).
• Nova has a higher acceptance rate (73.2%) than Florida (24.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.2% at Florida vs. 15.6% at Nova.

Florida vs. Nova Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Florida and Nova? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Florida's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than Nova Southeastern University's (43%).
• Graduates from University of Florida earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than Nova graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,600 vs. $53,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Florida graduates have a $9,285 lower median loan debt than Nova graduates ($15,815 vs. $25,100).
• Among borrowers, Florida graduates have an estimated $96 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nova graduates ($163 vs. $259).
• More Florida graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nova students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 44%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.