When choosing a college or university, it’s essential to understand the differences between schools and find the best fit based on your individual needs. This comprehensive comparison guide will outline the distinctions between the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) and the University of South Florida (USF) in terms of costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes.
[FIT] Overview
Florida Institute of Technology, also known as FIT, is a private research university located in Melbourne, Florida. It was founded in 1958 and is known for its strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. With a beautiful campus spanning over 130 acres, FIT offers a personalized learning experience in a close-knit community.
[FIT] Costs & Tuition
Tuition at FIT is approximately $42,470 per year for full-time undergraduate students. Additional mandatory fees total around $2,800. Room and board costs are estimated at $12,350, bringing the total cost of attendance to approximately $57,620 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, and approximately 95% of students receive some form of financial assistance.
[FIT] Admissions
FIT has a competitive admissions process with an acceptance rate of around 65%. The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students range from 1190 to 1370, while the middle 50% ACT scores range from 25 to 31. High school GPA is also considered, with the average admitted student having a GPA of 3.93.
[FIT] Degrees Offered
FIT offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, with a strong emphasis on STEM fields. Some popular programs include Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Biology, and Business Administration.
[FIT] Academics
FIT is recognized for its strong STEM programs and emphasis on hands-on learning experiences. The student-faculty ratio is 14:1, allowing for personalized attention and support. Additionally, FIT is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
[FIT] Diversity
FIT is committed to promoting diversity on campus, with students from over 100 countries and all 50 states. The university offers numerous resources, clubs, and events to support and celebrate diversity among its students.
[FIT] Students
FIT has a student population of approximately 6,400, with 3,800 undergraduate and 2,600 graduate students. The university offers over 100 student-run clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved and build connections.
[FIT] Campus
The FIT campus spans over 130 acres and provides modern facilities, including state-of-the-art labs, classrooms, and recreational spaces. The campus is located near the beautiful Florida coastline, offering plenty of outdoor activities and natural beauty for students to enjoy.
[FIT] Alumni
FIT alumni have gone on to enjoy successful careers in various industries, including aerospace, engineering, technology, and research. Notable alumni include astronauts Sunita Williams and Joan Higginbotham, as well as numerous CEOs and executives in the tech industry.
[FIT] Rankings
FIT is consistently ranked among the top national universities by various publications. In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, FIT was ranked #217 in National Universities and #143 in Best Value Schools.
[FIT] Outcomes
FIT boasts a strong return on investment, with 95% of its graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for FIT graduates is $53,800, and the university is ranked #117 in the nation for return on investment according to Payscale.
[USF] Overview
The University of South Florida, or USF, is a public research university located in Tampa, Florida. Established in 1956, USF is part of the State University System of Florida and is the fourth-largest public university in the state. USF offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong focus on research and innovation.
[USF] Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for in-state undergraduate students at USF is $21,410 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $33,490 annually. This includes tuition, fees, and room and board. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with approximately 78% of students receiving some form of financial assistance.
[USF] Admissions
USF has a competitive admissions process with an acceptance rate of around 48%. The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students range from 1160 to 1310, while the middle 50% ACT scores range from 24 to 30. High school GPA is also considered, with the average admitted student having a GPA of 4.07.
[USF] Degrees Offered
USF offers over 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Some popular programs include Business, Health Professions, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
[USF] Academics
USF is known for its strong academics and commitment to research. The university is classified as an “R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation. Additionally, USF is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
[USF] Diversity
USF is a diverse and inclusive university, with students from all 50 states and over 140 countries. The university is committed to creating an environment that fosters diversity, inclusion, and global awareness.
[USF] Students
USF has a total student population of approximately 50,000, with 37,000 undergraduate and 13,000 graduate students. The university offers over 600 student clubs and organizations, providing numerous opportunities for students to get involved and build connections.
[USF] Campus
The USF campus spans over 1,900 acres and features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art labs, classrooms, and recreational spaces. The campus is located in Tampa, offering a vibrant city atmosphere with access to numerous cultural and recreational activities.
[USF] Alumni
USF alumni have gone on to enjoy successful careers in various industries, including business, education, healthcare, and technology. Notable alumni include WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil, former NFL player Jason Pierre-Paul, and former U.S. Representative Kathy Castor.
[USF] Rankings
In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, USF was ranked #103 in National Universities, #50 in Top Public Schools, and #78 in Best Value Schools.
[USF] Outcome
The average starting salary for USF graduates is $42,800, and 73% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. USF is ranked #238 in the nation for return on investment according to Payscale.
[FIT] vs [USF] Cost Comparision
FIT and USF differ significantly in terms of cost, with FIT being a private university and USF being a public institution. The total cost of attendance at FIT is approximately $57,620 per year for full-time undergraduate students, while the cost of attendance at USF is $21,410 for in-state students and $33,490 for out-of-state students. Financial aid is available at both institutions, with FIT providing assistance to 95% of its students and USF providing aid to 78%.
[FIT] vs [USF] Admissions Difficulty
Both FIT and USF are competitive in terms of admissions, with acceptance rates of 65% and 48%, respectively. The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students at FIT range from 1190 to 1370, while at USF, they range from 1160 to 1310. The middle 50% ACT scores at FIT range from 25 to 31, while at USF, they range from 24 to 30. High school GPA is also considered, with the average admitted student at FIT having a GPA of 3.93, and at USF, a GPA of 4.07.
[FIT] vs [USF] Academic Difficulty
Both FIT and USF are known for their strong academics and commitment to research. FIT is recognized for its top-notch STEM programs, and USF is classified as an “R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation. The student-faculty ratio is 14:1 at FIT and slightly larger at USF, allowing for personalized attention and support at both institutions.
[FIT] vs [USF] Outcome Comparision
FIT graduates enjoy a strong return on investment, with 95% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation and an average starting salary of $53,800. USF also boasts positive outcomes, with 73% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation and an average starting salary of $42,800. According to Payscale, FIT is ranked #117 in the nation for return on investment, while USF is ranked #238.
