Head-to-Head Comparison
Brigham Young University vs University of Florida
- Brigham Young Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 13
- Florida Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Florida offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $6,541 vs Brigham Young University's $15,564, University of Florida delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose University of Florida benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $71,588 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Brigham Young
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $75,790 ten years after enrollment, 6% more than University of Florida
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,069, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 0.7%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Florida
- Lower cost: Average net price of $6,541, roughly $9,023 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 91% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 24% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Brigham Young graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (17% 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 Brigham Young University over University of Florida. Median earnings of $75,790 ten years after enrollment vs $71,588.
Pick University of Florida over Brigham Young University. Net price $6,541 vs $15,564.
Pick Brigham Young University over University of Florida. 0.7% mobility rate vs 0.4%.
Pick University of Florida over Brigham Young University. 91% completion rate vs 82%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Brigham Young University and University of Florida split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
University of Florida is the harder admit. It takes 24% of applicants, while Brigham Young University takes 68%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,376 to 1,403.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Florida 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 $9,023 a year below Brigham Young University's $15,564. Graduates of Brigham Young University also borrow less: median debt of $11,069, against $15,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $36,092 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, Brigham Young University graduates report median earnings of $75,790, compared with $71,588 at University of Florida. That is a 6% advantage. Set against borrowing, Brigham Young University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 6% 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.
Finishing the degree
University of Florida graduates a larger share of its students, 91% versus 82%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 10% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Brigham Young University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 0.7%; 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 2.2%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Brigham Young University 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 Brigham Young University 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 $9,023 a year, yet Brigham Young University graduates earn $4,202 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
University of Florida is harder to get into, with a 24% admit rate, but Brigham Young University posts the higher mobility rate, at 0.7%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $15,564 runs well above University of Florida's $6,541.
- Engineering-focused students: University of Florida has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $15,000, against $11,069 at Brigham Young University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Florida holds onto its admits more tightly: 42% of admitted students enroll, versus 24% at Brigham Young — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Brigham Young, where only about 54% 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) 4 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
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT · Private nonprofit
Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, is a great fit for students looking for a vibrant campus experience with a strong academic focus. With an acceptance rate of 68%, it welcomes a diverse group of learners. Students here can dive into popular fields like Business and Marketing, Biology, Engineering, and Computer Science, all of which have proven track records. The 82% graduation rate indicates that many students not only enroll but also successfully finish their degrees, which is a solid indicator of support and student satisfaction.
Looking ahead to life after graduation, the financial prospects seem promising. Graduates earn an average of $75,790 within a decade of completing their studies. This suggests that the skills and knowledge gained here can lead to upward mobility in the job market. The affordability of attending BYU is also noteworthy, especially with a net price of $15,564 after aid, making it accessible for a variety of students.
When it comes to managing debt, students graduate with a median debt of $11,069, which is relatively manageable compared to many institutions. This financial landscape allows students to focus on their careers without being overly burdened by loans. Those who thrive here often appreciate the community-oriented environment and the emphasis on values in both academic and personal life.
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
Brigham Young University is featured on the Best Colleges in Utah ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Brigham Young's top program is Business Administration (17% of enrollment), while Florida leads with Mechanical Engineering (15%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Brigham Young) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Florida).
The two schools feed different job markets. Brigham Young University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while University of Florida concentrates in 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 Brigham Young University or University of Florida?
University of Florida is harder to get into, admitting 24% of applicants compared with 68% at Brigham Young University.
Which is more affordable, Brigham Young University or University of Florida?
University of Florida is more affordable, with an average net price of $6,541 after aid versus $15,564 at Brigham Young University.
Do Brigham Young University or University of Florida graduates earn more?
Brigham Young University graduates earn more: median earnings of $75,790 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,588 at University of Florida.
Which has a better graduation rate, Brigham Young University or University of Florida?
University of Florida has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 82%.
Brigham Young University vs University of Florida: which is better for social mobility?
Brigham Young University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 0.7% versus 0.4%.
Should you choose Brigham Young University or University of Florida?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Florida if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Brigham Young University 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.
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