A recent study by Research.com, a leading university ranking site, has identified the top 10 Florida colleges providing the most financial support to their students.
The analysis evaluated key metrics such as average financial aid, tuition costs, acceptance rate, average SAT and ACT scores, average tuition and fees, average room and board charges, average books and supplies, and average total cost.
1. University of Miami
Leading the list, the University of Miami provides an average undergraduate financial aid package of $37,806, benefiting 76% of its students. With tuition and fees at $59,926 and additional living costs bringing the total cost to $82,938, financial aid significantly offsets the expenses for the students.
The university has a competitive acceptance rate of 19% and admitted students typically score 1380 on the SAT and 32 on the ACT. Graduates see strong career outcomes, with a median salary of $54,633. Military and veteran students receive considerable support, averaging $31,128 for undergraduates and $23,680 for graduate students.
2. University of Florida
The University of Florida secures the second spot on the list, offering financial aid to 94% of students, with an average undergraduate package of $9,523. Its affordability stands out, with tuition and fees at just $6,381 and total costs averaging $18,941.
The university maintains an acceptance rate of 23%, with incoming students averaging 1385 on the SAT and 31 on the ACT. Post-graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $48,898. Military and veteran benefits amount to $4,458 for undergraduates and $14,444 for graduate students.
3. Florida State University
Florida State University supports 93% of its students with financial aid, averaging $9,725 per recipient. Tuition and fees total $7,493, and the full cost of attendance comes to $21,233.
The university accepts 25% of applicants, with admitted students averaging 1260 on the SAT and 28 on the ACT. Alumni report a median salary of $40,895. Military and veteran students benefit from financial assistance of $5,651 at the undergraduate level and $7,238 for graduate studies.
4. University of South Florida
At the University of South Florida, 90% of students receive financial aid, with an average award of $9,226. Tuition and fees are relatively low at $5,498, bringing the total cost of attendance to $19,551.
The university has a 44% acceptance rate, with average SAT and ACT scores of 1235 and 27, respectively. Graduates earn a median salary of $43,017. Military and veteran students receive undergraduate benefits averaging $5,051 and graduate benefits of $8,921.
5. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida provides financial aid to 96% of students, with an average package of $7,880. Tuition and fees amount to $8,258, and the total cost of attendance reaches $21,586.
With an acceptance rate of 41%, UCF is accessible to a broad range of students, whose average SAT and ACT scores are 1260 and 28. Graduates report a median salary of $41,960. Military and veteran benefits include $4,794 for undergraduates and $7,196 for graduate students.
6. Florida International University
Florida International University extends financial aid to 91% of its students, with an average undergraduate award of $6,634. Tuition and fees stand at $6,566, while the total cost of attendance averages $21,910.
The university has a 64% acceptance rate, with admitted students scoring 1150 on the SAT and 24 on the ACT. Alumni earn a median salary of $40,919. Financial aid for military and veteran students averages $7,028 at the undergraduate level and $11,468 for graduate programs.
7. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU)
FAMU boasts a high financial aid distribution, with 98% of students receiving assistance and an average package of $11,487. Tuition and fees are set at $5,785, with the total cost of attendance coming to $18,567.
The university has an acceptance rate of 33%, and its incoming students average 1080 on the SAT and 20 on the ACT. Median alumni salary stands at $34,146. Military and veteran students receive benefits averaging $4,708 for undergraduates and $8,035 for graduate students.
8. Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University ensures financial aid for all of its students (100%), with an average package of $21,349. Tuition and fees are $37,000, while the total cost of attendance reaches $55,078.
The university has a 76% acceptance rate, and students typically score 1175 on the SAT and 25 on the ACT. Alumni command the highest median salary on this list at $66,811. Military and veteran benefits average $18,658 for undergraduates and $13,265 for graduate students.
9. Florida Atlantic University
At Florida Atlantic University, 92% of students receive financial aid, with an average package of $9,005. Its affordability is a major draw, with total costs averaging just $13,820.
The acceptance rate is 81%, and admitted students have average SAT and ACT scores of 1110 and 23. Graduates earn a median salary of $41,482. Military and veteran students receive undergraduate benefits averaging $4,729 and graduate benefits of $8,845.
10. The University of Tampa
The University of Tampa rounds out the list, offering financial aid to 100% of students, with an average package of $12,563. Tuition and fees are $33,404, with the total cost of attendance at $49,080.
The university has a selective 26% acceptance rate, with admitted students averaging 1155 on the SAT and 26 on the ACT. Alumni report a median salary of $39,636. Military and veteran students receive generous financial aid, averaging $18,013 for undergraduates and $14,973 for graduate students.
