USF Main Campus vs. University of Missouri-Columbia

Comparable Facts

Compare University of South Florida in Tampa, FL with University of Missouri Columbia in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Florida is larger than University of Missouri-Columbia based on total student enrollment (49,622 students vs. 31,543 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Florida is located in Tampa, FL (Large City setting); University of Missouri Columbia is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• University of South Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Missouri Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Florida 22:1; University of Missouri Columbia 17:1.

USF Main Campus vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USF Main Campus or University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 South Florida than University of Missouri-Columbia ($11,579 vs. $22,169).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Missouri Columbia are 5.1% lower than at University of South Florida ($13,700 vs. $14,440).
• University of Missouri Columbia is 131.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than USF Main Campus (about $8,427 more per year; $14,837.00 vs. $6,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 108.1% higher at University of Missouri-Columbia than at University of South Florida (about $18,732 more per year; $36,056.00 vs. $17,324.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Missouri Columbia than at University of South Florida (95% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Missouri Columbia students is 23.9% larger than aid received by University of South Florida students ($13,203 vs. $10,652).

USF Main Campus vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USF Main Campus or University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 University of Missouri-Columbia and USF Main Campus.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Missouri Columbia (1240) is 10 points higher than at USF Main Campus (1230).
• Incoming USF Main Campus students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at University of Missouri-Columbia (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Florida 1130/1320; University of Missouri Columbia 1150/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Florida 24/29; University of Missouri Columbia 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USF Main Campus - Required; University of Missouri-Columbia - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USF Main Campus May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman USF Main Campus students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at University of Missouri-Columbia (3.61).
• University of Missouri-Columbia has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than USF Main Campus (43.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at USF Main Campus vs. 31% at University of Missouri-Columbia.

USF Main Campus vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USF Main Campus and University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 Missouri Columbia's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than University of South Florida's (52%).
• Graduates from University of Missouri Columbia earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than USF Main Campus graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,200 vs. $46,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Florida graduates have a $2,736 lower median loan debt than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates ($19,147 vs. $21,883).
• Among borrowers, USF Main Campus graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates ($197 vs. $226).
• More University of Missouri-Columbia graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USF Main Campus students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 57%)

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.