In this comparison, we will be looking at two universities with distinct characteristics: the University of Florida (UF) and Drake University. Each school has its unique features, and potential students may be interested in comparing the two to make the best decision for their education. In the following sections, we will compare the costs, admissions, academics, and other factors of both universities.
University of Florida Overview
The University of Florida is a public research university located in Gainesville, Florida. Established in 1853, UF has since grown to become a large institution with over 56,000 students. The university is well-known for its strong academic programs, research opportunities, and vibrant campus life.
University of Florida Costs & Tuition
As a public university, UF offers relatively affordable tuition rates for in-state students. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate students can expect to pay approximately $6,380 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay around $28,658. The overall cost of attendance, including room and board, books, and supplies, is estimated to be around $21,430 for in-state students and $43,708 for out-of-state students.
University of Florida Admissions
UF has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 37% in 2021. Applicants are expected to have strong academic backgrounds, with a typical incoming freshman having an SAT score between 1300 and 1460, or an ACT score between 28 and 32. The university also considers factors such as class rank, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays in its admissions decisions.
University of Florida Degrees Offered
The University of Florida offers a wide range of academic programs through its 16 colleges. Students can choose from over 100 undergraduate majors, 200 graduate programs, and numerous professional degrees. Some of the most popular majors include Business, Engineering, Health Professions, and Social Sciences.
University of Florida Academics
UF is known for its rigorous academic programs and strong faculty. The university boasts a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, allowing students to receive personalized attention and support from their professors. Additionally, UF has been recognized for its research opportunities, with many undergraduate students getting involved in research projects across various disciplines.
University of Florida Diversity
The University of Florida has a diverse student body, with students hailing from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university’s commitment to diversity is evident in its numerous programs and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and multicultural understanding.
University of Florida Students
UF students are known for their enthusiasm and school spirit. The university offers over 1,000 clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved on campus and make the most of their college experience. Additionally, the university is home to a strong Greek life community, with around 20% of students participating in fraternities and sororities.
University of Florida Campus
The University of Florida campus spans over 2,000 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. The campus is known for its picturesque scenery, with numerous green spaces and natural areas. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including research labs, libraries, and recreational centers.
University of Florida Alumni
UF has a strong alumni network, with over 415,000 alumni around the world. Notable alumni include politicians, business leaders, and athletes, such as Tim Tebow, Marco Rubio, and Erin Andrews.
University of Florida Rankings
The University of Florida is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UF was ranked #30 in National Universities and #6 in Top Public Schools.
University of Florida Outcomes
Graduates of the University of Florida enjoy strong career outcomes, with a 90% job placement rate within six months of graduation. Additionally, UF alumni earn an average starting salary of $47,000.
Drake University Overview
Drake University is a private university located in Des Moines, Iowa. Founded in 1881, Drake has a small student body of around 3,000 undergraduate students and 1,800 graduate students. The university is known for its individualized attention, strong professional programs, and commitment to experiential learning.
Drake University Costs & Tuition
As a private institution, Drake’s tuition rates are higher than those at public universities. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of tuition and fees is $44,376. The overall cost of attendance, which includes room and board, books, and supplies, is approximately $58,822.
Drake University Admissions
Drake University has a fairly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 68% in 2021. Successful applicants typically have strong academic backgrounds, with average SAT scores between 1170 and 1350, or ACT scores between 24 and 30. Like UF, Drake also considers factors such as class rank, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays in its admissions decisions.
Drake University Degrees Offered
Drake offers over 70 undergraduate majors, 20 graduate programs, and various professional degrees through its six colleges and schools. Popular majors at Drake include Business, Health Professions, Journalism, and Education.
Drake University Academics
Drake prides itself on offering small class sizes and a personalized education experience. The student-faculty ratio at Drake is 10:1, allowing students to easily connect with their professors and receive individualized support. The university is also committed to experiential learning, offering numerous internships, research opportunities, and study abroad programs.
Drake University Diversity
While Drake’s student body is less diverse than UF’s, the university still has a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus. Students can participate in various multicultural organizations and initiatives aimed at fostering an inclusive campus community.
Drake University Students
Drake students are actively engaged in campus life, with over 160 clubs and organizations to choose from. The university also offers numerous opportunities for community engagement and service-learning, encouraging students to make a positive impact in the Des Moines area and beyond.
Drake University Campus
Drake’s campus spans 150 acres and features a mix of modern and historic buildings. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including research labs, libraries, and recreational centers. The campus is located just minutes from downtown Des Moines, offering students easy access to internships, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities.
Drake University Alumni
Drake has a strong alumni network, with over 75,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include journalists, politicians, and business leaders, such as Michael Gartner, Neal Smith, and John Pappajohn.
Drake University Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Drake University was ranked #124 in National Universities and #3 in Best Value Schools.
Drake University Outcomes
Drake University graduates also enjoy strong career outcomes, with a 98% job placement rate within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Drake alumni is $46,000.
University of Florida vs Drake University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending the University of Florida and Drake University, it is important to consider the difference between public and private institutions. UF is significantly more affordable, particularly for in-state students, with a total cost of attendance of approximately $21,430 for in-state students and $43,708 for out-of-state students. In contrast, Drake’s total cost of attendance is around $58,822. Despite the higher costs, Drake does offer generous financial aid packages, and its ranking as a Best Value School suggests that the education offered may be worth the investment.
University of Florida vs Drake University Admissions Difficulty
Both the University of Florida and Drake University have competitive admissions processes, with UF being slightly more difficult to gain acceptance into, with an acceptance rate of 37% compared to Drake’s 68%. However, both schools have similar expectations for academic achievement, as evidenced by their respective SAT and ACT score ranges.
University of Florida vs Drake University Academic Difficulty
Both universities offer rigorous academic programs, with UF being a larger research institution and Drake focusing on providing a personalized education experience. The student-faculty ratios at each school (18:1 at UF and 10:1 at Drake) indicate that students at Drake may have more opportunities for individualized support from their professors. Both schools offer research opportunities and a wide range of academic programs.
University of Florida vs Drake University Outcome Comparison
In terms of career outcomes, both universities boast impressive job placement rates and starting salaries for their graduates. The University of Florida has a 90% job placement rate within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $47,000. Drake University has a slightly higher job placement rate at 98%, with an average starting salary of $46,000. While the differences in outcomes are minor, it is important for prospective students to consider their individual goals and preferences when choosing between these two schools.
