Head-to-Head Comparison
Stevens Institute of Technology vs University of Florida
- Stevens Technology Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 9
- Florida Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Florida offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $6,541 vs Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346, University of Florida delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. 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.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Stevens Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, 52% more than University of Florida
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4.3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Florida
- Lower cost: Average net price of $6,541, roughly $34,805 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 91% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 24% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Stevens Technology graduates concentrate in Engineering (43% of degrees); Florida in Engineering (14%). 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 Stevens Institute of Technology over University of Florida. Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment vs $71,588.
Pick University of Florida over Stevens Institute of Technology. Net price $6,541 vs $41,346.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over University of Florida. 4.3% mobility rate vs 0.4%.
Pick University of Florida over Stevens Institute of Technology. 91% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Stevens Institute of Technology and University of Florida are close on paper, but University of Florida 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
University of Florida is the harder admit. It takes 24% of applicants, while Stevens Institute of Technology takes 48%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,446 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 $34,805 a year below Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346. Graduates of University of Florida also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $139,220 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, Stevens Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $108,772, compared with $71,588 at University of Florida. That is a 52% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Florida has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 52% 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 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 3% 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
Stevens Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4.3%; 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 6.9%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Stevens Institute of Technology 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 Stevens Institute of Technology 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 $34,805 a year, yet Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn $37,184 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 Stevens Institute of Technology posts the higher mobility rate, at 4.3%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Stevens Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while University of Florida leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,346 runs well above University of Florida's $6,541.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $15,000 at University of Florida.
- Business and consulting-track students: Stevens Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and University of Florida offers the stronger options.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Florida's enrollment, and Stevens Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Florida's enrollment of 35,629 far exceeds Stevens Institute of Technology's 4,222.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 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
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, is a great fit for students who are driven by a passion for technology and innovation. With 4,222 enrolled students and an acceptance rate of 48%, it attracts individuals looking for a solid education in fields like Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and the Arts. One standout aspect is the school's high graduation rate of 88%, which speaks volumes about student support and engagement throughout their academic journey.
After graduation, students from Stevens can expect impressive earning potential, with an average salary of $108,772 within ten years of completing their degree. This financial success reflects the value of a degree from Stevens, especially in high-demand areas like engineering and tech. The cost of attendance can be manageable, particularly when considering the school’s financial aid options, though it's important to weigh the net price against potential earnings.
When looking at the practical aspects of attending Stevens, the net price after aid stands at $41,346, which means students should prepare for a significant investment. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $27,000. The environment here tends to be ideal for those who are eager to engage with their studies and are committed to making the most of their college experience. This is a community that thrives on ambition and collaboration, setting students up for success both during and after their time at Stevens.
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
University of Florida is featured on the Colleges With the Highest ROI ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Mechanical Engineering as their top enrolled program field, comprising 43% of Stevens Technology's student body and 14% of Florida's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Stevens Technology) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Florida).
The two schools feed different job markets. Stevens Institute of Technology is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while University of Florida concentrates in 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.
Stevens Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Stevens Institute of Technology or University of Florida?
University of Florida is harder to get into, admitting 24% of applicants compared with 48% at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Stevens Institute of Technology or University of Florida?
University of Florida is more affordable, with an average net price of $6,541 after aid versus $41,346 at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Do Stevens Institute of Technology or University of Florida graduates earn more?
Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,588 at University of Florida.
Which has a better graduation rate, Stevens Institute of Technology or University of Florida?
University of Florida has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 88%.
Stevens Institute of Technology vs University of Florida: which is better for social mobility?
Stevens Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4.3% versus 0.4%.
Should you choose Stevens Institute of Technology or University of Florida?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Florida if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Stevens Institute of Technology 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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