University of Miami vs UF: SAT Scores & Cost

Two Great Options, Two Very Different Schools

For South Florida families, the University of Miami and the University of Florida are often the top two names on the list. One is a private university in Coral Gables, the other is the state flagship in Gainesville, and they differ on admissions, cost, and campus experience in ways that should shape your student’s SAT target.

Acceptance Rates Compared

The University of Miami’s acceptance rate sits around 19%, while the UF acceptance rate is around 24% overall. Both are selective, and both have become more competitive over the past five years. UF gives no formal admissions preference to in-state students, but the applicant pools differ: UM draws a national and international pool, while UF’s pool is heavily Floridian.

SAT Scores You Need for Each

The middle 50% of admitted students at both schools lands roughly between 1350 and 1490, with UM’s range running slightly higher at the top end. Practically, that means a 1400+ makes your student competitive at either school, and a 1450+ puts them in the upper half of admits. Check where your score falls in the national percentiles and aim for the 75th percentile of your target school’s range.

The Real Cost Difference

This is where the schools diverge sharply. UF’s in-state tuition is around $6,400 per year, and Bright Futures can cover 75% to 100% of it, making UF close to free for high-scoring Florida students. UM’s sticker price runs above $60,000 per year in tuition alone. UM does award significant merit scholarships, and strong SAT scores are a major factor in those decisions, so the same score that wins Bright Futures also cuts UM’s price.

Which School Fits Which Student

UF fits students who want flagship scale, top-ranked value, and the full Bright Futures payoff. UM fits students who want smaller classes, a private-school experience close to home, and are competitive for merit aid. Many of our students apply to both and let the final numbers decide.

Set the Score Target First

Whichever way your family leans, the SAT work is nearly identical: get to 1400 or beyond and both doors stay open. Targeting either school? Our SAT tutoring in Miami sets score goals around your student’s list, then builds the plan to hit them.