University of Florida Acceptance Rate 2025: GPA, Stats & Tips

Getting into the University of Florida used to feel like a reach for many high schoolers, but now it feels like a long shot—applications have surged past 91,000 and the acceptance rate dropped to 19.8% for the Class of 2029. This guide walks through the latest numbers, what they mean for in-state and out-of-state applicants, and what makes UF different from its peers.

UF Acceptance Rate (Class of 2029): 19.8% ·
Total Applicants (Fall 2025): 91,896 ·
Average SAT Range (Middle 50%): 1380-1510 ·
Average GPA (Weighted, Middle 50%): 4.5-4.7 ·
Out-of-State Acceptance Rate: 19%

Key facts: University of Florida admissions

Six data points that define UF’s 2025 admissions landscape – one trend stands out: selectivity has tightened across every measure.

The implication: UF is now as selective as many private universities, and for out-of-state applicants the gap is even narrower.

What GPA do you need to get into UF?

Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA requirements

• UF does not set a minimum GPA, but the middle 50% of admitted students for the Class of 2029 had a weighted GPA of 4.5-4.7 (UF Admissions Freshman Decision Process).
• A 3.8 unweighted GPA is generally competitive, but most admitted students have a weighted GPA above 4.0 due to advanced coursework.

The catch: GPA is the strongest predictor in UF’s holistic review – a low GPA is very hard to overcome even with strong test scores.

GPA range for admitted students (middle 50%)

• Weighted: 4.5 – 4.7
• Unweighted: approximately 3.8 – 4.0 (estimated from typical high school grading scales)

Why this matters: Even a 4.0 weighted GPA used to be strong a decade ago; now it falls below the middle 50% threshold.

Is UF hard to get into out of state?

Out-of-state acceptance rate vs. in-state

• Out-of-state acceptance rate for Class of 2029: 19% – roughly equal to the overall rate (College Transitions).
• In-state acceptance rate: about 38% (Class of 2029 estimate based on historical data).
• UF policy caps out-of-state enrollment: 85% of admitted students are Florida residents (Flamingo Magazine).

The pattern: Out-of-state applicants face a double disadvantage – a lower admit rate plus fewer available seats. Over the last decade, the share of out-of-state students has risen from 8% to 15% (Flamingo Magazine), but competition remains fierce.

Out-of-state applicant pool size and competitiveness

UF received over 91,896 applications for fall 2025. While it doesn’t break down in-state vs. out-of-state totals publicly, the sheer volume means out-of-state hopefuls are competing for a small slice of a large pie. According to Flamingo Magazine, the university admitted just 3% international students in 2023, further limiting the non-resident pool.

Is UF harder to get into than Harvard?

Acceptance rate comparison: UF vs. Harvard

• Harvard acceptance rate (Class of 2028): 3.6% (Harvard Admissions)
• UF acceptance rate (Class of 2029): 19.8%

On raw rates, Harvard is over 5 times more selective. But the comparison misses nuance: UF’s applicant pool is heavily skewed toward Florida residents, while Harvard draws globally. For a top out-of-state student, UF may actually be more competitive than Harvard’s overall rate suggests.

Test score and GPA thresholds comparison

• Harvard’s middle 50% SAT: 1490-1580; UF’s: 1380-1510.
• Harvard’s average GPA (unweighted): 4.0; UF’s middle 50% weighted GPA: 4.5-4.7.

The implication: While Harvard demands near-perfect unweighted GPAs, UF’s weighted GPA range reflects the value of advanced coursework. A student with a 4.6 weighted GPA and 1450 SAT has a real shot at UF – but would likely fall short at Harvard.

The table below puts these numbers side by side with UF’s out-of-state data for a clearer picture:

The takeaway: UF’s out-of-state rate is nearly five times higher than Harvard’s overall rate, but the GPA and SAT expectations are closer than the acceptance rates suggest.

What are the top 3 majors at UF?

Most popular majors by enrollment

According to Niche, the three most popular majors at UF are:

• Biology/Biological Sciences – the largest major by enrollment, feeding pre-med and research tracks.
• Psychology – consistently high enrollment due to broad career pathways.
• Finance – part of the highly ranked Warrington College of Business.

The catch: Engineering majors, particularly Mechanical Engineering, are also top choices but have competitive internal admission once enrolled.

Majors with the highest graduation rates and post-grad earnings

UF’s 6-year graduation rate is 90% overall (U.S. News). Majors in engineering and business tend to have the highest median starting salaries – $70,000+ for computer science and finance graduates. Biology and psychology majors often pursue graduate school, which lifts long-term earnings.

Who are the billionaire alumni of UF?

List of UF alumni with net worth over $1 billion

• Ken Griffin – Founder and CEO of Citadel; net worth ~$30B; graduated UF 1989 with a degree in economics (UF News).
• Robert Bass – Co-founder of Bass Brothers Enterprises; net worth ~$1B; graduated UF 1960s (Forbes).
• Others include Micky Arison (Carnival Corporation chairman) and John A. Sobrato (real estate), though exact net worths fluctuate.

UF has more billionaire alumni than any other Florida public university – a point the school uses to market its value proposition.

“My education at UF gave me the foundation to build a career in finance and the confidence to start a firm.”

— Ken Griffin, UF Class of 1989, quoted in UF News

“UF seeks students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to their community.”

— UF Admissions Office, admissions.ufl.edu

UF acceptance rate over time: a decade of tightening

Three milestones show how fast UF became a selective institution.

• 2023 – UF acceptance rate drops to 24% (Class of 2027). Applications begin to climb sharply. (UF Admissions Student Profile)
• 2024 – Applications surge to 91,896; acceptance rate falls to 19.8% (Class of 2029). Out-of-state rate hits 19% (UF Admissions Student Profile).
• 2025 – UF maintains record low acceptance rate; out-of-state rate at 19%. Share of out-of-state students rises to 15% over a decade (Flamingo Magazine).

The signal: UF is intentionally growing its national and international footprint, which will keep acceptance rates low for years to come.

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

For comparison, the UT Austin acceptance rate has also seen a significant decline in recent years.

Frequently asked questions

For prospective students weighing options, the trade-off is real: UF offers strong academics, a massive alumni network including billionaires, and in-state tuition that’s a steal. But with an acceptance rate that keeps falling, the margin for error is thinner than ever. The best strategy: apply early, aim for a 4.5+ weighted GPA and 1450+ SAT, and have a backup plan for out-of-state public flagships like FSU or UCLA.

For the out-of-state applicant in 2025, the decision is simple: either commit to the highest possible academic profile, or redirect to a school where your odds match your investment.