Head-to-Head Comparison
Babson College vs University of Florida
- Babson Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 15
- Florida Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Florida offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Babson College achieves a higher graduation rate (93% vs 91%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $40,514 compared to University of Florida's $6,541 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Florida's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Babson
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, 73% more than University of Florida
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.8%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 17% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Florida
- Lower cost: Average net price of $6,541, roughly $33,973 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Babson graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (100% of degrees); Florida in Engineering (15%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Babson College over University of Florida. Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment vs $71,588.
Pick University of Florida over Babson College. Net price $6,541 vs $40,514.
Pick Babson College over University of Florida. 2.8% mobility rate vs 0.4%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Babson College and University of Florida are close on paper, but Babson College wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Babson College is the harder admit. It takes 17% of applicants, while University of Florida takes 24%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,457 to 1,403.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Babson College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of Florida comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $6,541, about $33,973 a year below Babson College's $40,514. Graduates of University of Florida also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $20,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $135,892 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Florida leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Babson College graduates report median earnings of $123,938, compared with $71,588 at University of Florida. That is a 73% advantage. Set against borrowing, Babson College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 73% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
Babson College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.8%; at University of Florida, it is 0.4%. University of Florida also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 27700% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Babson College offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Florida to keep costs and debt down; pick Babson College for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Florida saves about $33,973 a year, yet Babson College graduates earn $52,350 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $40,514 runs well above University of Florida's $6,541.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,000, against $15,000 at University of Florida.
- Engineering-focused students: University of Florida has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Florida's enrollment of 35,629 far exceeds Babson College's 2,728.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Florida holds onto its admits more tightly: 42% of admitted students enroll, versus 39% at Babson — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Babson offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Florida does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Babson, where only about 25% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Babson College
Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 17%, Babson College is a strong fit for students who are serious about pursuing a career in business and marketing. The intimate campus environment, home to around 2,728 students, fosters collaboration and networking among peers. Here, you’ll dive deep into practical studies that prepare you for real-world challenges, focusing on business principles and marketing strategies.
When we look at life after graduation, the numbers are promising. Graduates from Babson earn an impressive average of $123,938 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure reflects the college's focus on preparing students for high-earning roles in the competitive business landscape. It's worth noting that while the median debt stands at $20,000, this is manageable for the financial trajectory many graduates experience.
Cost is a crucial factor in choosing a college, and Babson's net price after aid is $40,514. This amount may seem high, but when considering the strong earning potential and the career opportunities that arise from a Babson education, many find it to be a worthwhile investment. Students who thrive here tend to be ambitious, driven, and ready to take on challenges in the business world.
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL · Public
The University of Florida has a graduation rate of 91%. This high rate reflects the school's commitment to student success and academic support. With nearly 36,000 students enrolled, it stands as a large public institution that excels in helping students complete their degrees.
According to Opportunity Insights data, the University of Florida ranks well for upward mobility, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds. While specific mobility rates are not available, the strong graduation rate suggests that many students are able to advance economically after earning their degrees. Graduates tend to see significant earnings growth, with a median income of $71,588 a decade post-graduation.
The net price for attending the University of Florida is $6,541, making it an affordable option for many students. With a median debt of only $15,000, graduates can enter the workforce without overwhelming financial burdens. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions, benefiting from strong career prospects in those fields.
Rankings They Appear On
Babson College is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Babson's top program is Business Administration (100% of enrollment), while Florida leads with Mechanical Engineering (15%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Babson) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Florida).
The two schools feed different job markets. while University of Florida concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Babson College or University of Florida?
Babson College is harder to get into, admitting 17% of applicants compared with 24% at University of Florida.
Which is more affordable, Babson College or University of Florida?
University of Florida is more affordable, with an average net price of $6,541 after aid versus $40,514 at Babson College.
Do Babson College or University of Florida graduates earn more?
Babson College graduates earn more: median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,588 at University of Florida.
Which has a better graduation rate, Babson College or University of Florida?
Babson College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 91%.
Babson College vs University of Florida: which is better for social mobility?
Babson College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.8% versus 0.4%.
Should you choose Babson College or University of Florida?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Florida if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Babson College if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Babson and Florida stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
