University of Florida vs University of California-San Diego
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of California-San Diego comes out ahead: 96/100 to 92/100, a 4-point edge over University of Florida. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Florida runs $6,541 a year against $12,470 at University of California-San Diego - $5,929 more a year, or about $23,716 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of California-San Diego graduates earn a median $84,943 against $71,588 at University of Florida. The cost earns itself back in 4.5 years at University of Florida and 3.8 years at University of California-San Diego.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Florida owing a median $15,000 versus $15,500 at University of California-San Diego. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.31 and 0.32 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Florida | University of California-... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $6,381 | $16,758 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $28,659 | $50,958 |
| Net Price (avg) | $6,541 | $12,470 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $26,164 | $49,880 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $47,700 | $48,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $71,588 | $84,943 |
| Graduation Rate | 91.1% | 86.1% |
| Payback Period | 4.5 yr | 3.8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $15,000 | $15,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $159 | $164 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.31 | 0.32 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 72.9% | 86.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 71.8% | 84.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 24.2% | 26.7% |
| Enrollment | 35,629 | 34,948 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Florid... | University of Califo... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $1,982 | $7,525 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $2,768 | $8,155 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $7,151 | $9,942 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $12,905 | $15,199 |
| $110,001+ | $16,723 | $28,785 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Florid... | University of Califo... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $128,140 | $149,139 |
| Electrical Engineering | $107,543 | $118,150 |
| Biological/Biosystems Engineering | $89,799 | $111,677 |
| Chemical Engineering | $109,607 | $96,798 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $109,220 | $89,451 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $97,113 | $104,229 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $94,375 | $100,173 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $88,078 | $98,687 |
| Statistics | $98,409 | $96,746 |
| Physics | $68,682 | $95,018 |
| Mathematics | $93,022 | $79,015 |
| Civil Engineering | $86,453 | $91,745 |
| Economics | $89,075 | $87,307 |
| International/Globalization Studies | $59,432 | $81,174 |
| Chemistry | $56,179 | $77,249 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Florid... | University of Califo... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 99 | 98 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 96 | 98 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 93 | 93 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 97 | 94 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 48 | 89 |
| Overall ROI Score | 92 | 96 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of California-San Diego edges out University of Florida by 4 points (96 vs 92), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
University of Florida
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of California-San Diego
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.