Hello!
I am a rising high school senior looking at the following colleges: University of Florida, University of Central Florida, and University of South Florida. I live in Florida so I would be eligible for in state tuition. I am simply asking for details about each college and how they match up to each other. I am looking to go into an engineering field (Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace) and I want to know how each college stacks up. Also information about campus life and other useful information is appreciated. Thanks!
UF is, without question, at the top of the food chain for almost every major, since it’s our state flagship - especially in engineering. They consistently rank top 15 for publics in engineering, and top 25 overall (publics and privates) in the nation. However, their curriculum is known to be more rigorous, and you apply to engineering school later (after you finish your Gen-Ed’s). It’s generally a 4.5-5 year program with 9 semesters (125 credit hours) but if you have AP/IB credits you could perhaps save some money and time. I’m estimating that UF will take ~30 AP/IB credits for me, since I passed my exams. Also, I think they have a mechanical/aerospace combined degree too, so you should check that out! → www.mae.ufl.edu
Down from there, it’s probably a tie between UCF and USF, maybe with UCF getting a leg up in STEM. USF is more known for patent creation and a research-based curriculum (a lot of kids do research starting freshman year), while UCF has better facilities, a larger student body, and a more modern, cutting-edge feel to its campus versus USF.
I think with UCF/USF, you’ll probably land a job in Florida - not too many companies come in since the name value of the colleges are more locally known. UF is more well-known regionally (Southeast) and attracts greater employment opportunities and internships (although most are still in Florida). Definitely look into Tampa vs. Orlando, they’re both great cities (I personally like Orlando, but see for yourself).
Best of luck wherever that takes you!! 
Some more information might be helpful. What are your stats? What are you looking for out of a college and what type of campus?
Basic Stats: 3.45 GPA (3.9 Weighted)
SAT: 1240
ACT: 26
I am in the top 10% of my class
I am retaking the SAT in August, and the ACT in September
Clubs and Sports:
Tennis
Cross Country
Class Steering Committee
National Honor Society
Journalism (School Newspaper)
Debate
As for what I’m looking for in a college, I would like an engineering program that’s solid, academic wise, and can land me a job or internships. I would like chances to get involved in campus. I would also prefer a campus that isn’t a “party school” nor such a quiet “focused on graduating school” I would like to enjoy myself a bit. I think the overall atmosphere should feel comfortable with lots of help towards students graduating and landing jobs or getting help in their classes.
@Kevin4567 I would look more towards UCF or USF. UF’s average admission last year was a 30 ACT and 4.4 gpa. Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still apply but it is a high reach. UCF is ranked slightly higher than USF in engineering. Also UCF has a program you might want to look deeper into regarding admittance for students in the top 10% of their class:
https://admissions.ucf.edu/toptenknights/
In this order, for engineering, in Florida: UF, UCF, USF.
^^I don’t think this info is correct for UF. My son started in the engineering school (CS), and so did his roommate in aero. Paging @Gator88NE who is the best CCer when it comes to all things UF.
You’ll find a lot of useful admission info in the following link:
http://www.flbog.edu/board/office/asa/_doc/admission_2016/Matrix.xlsx
You’ll want to target the middle 50% range with your stats. Your GPA is a bit low for UF, it’s a reach, but why not apply? Notice that the stats required at UCF and USF are lower for those admitted to Summer B vs Fall.
UCF and USF may offer you a merit scholarship. For example, at USF you currently qualify for the USF Scholars Award: $12,000 ($3,000 per year); 3.80+ GPA and 1260+ SAT (Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math) or
26+ ACT. Try to get your SAT or ACT score higher, and you may get an award from UCF and/or USF. UF rarely gives out merit scholarships.
http://www.usf.edu/admissions/freshman/admissions-scholarships/
UCF vs USF.
Keep in mind that UCF offers Aerospace and Environmental Engineering, while USF offers Chemical, otherwise they offer the same programs (mechanical, electrical, etc.). If you’re interested in Aero, you should apply to UCF (which has a very good program).
UCF does offer a dual degree with Aero and Mechanical degrees. This is sometimes done because the student is concern with the cyclic nature of the aerospace industry. It takes an additional year to complete (5 years in total) or about 150 credits.
http://mae.ucf.edu/academics/undergraduate/dual-degree-requirements/
UCF also has an accelerated BS/MS program for Aerospace (similar to UF"s combine degree). This program allows you to take up to 12 credits of graduate level courses that will count for both your undergraduate and graduate degrees. The total combine hours is 146.
http://catalog.ucf.edu/content/documents/programs/Aerospace_Engineering_BSAE_MSAE_MSME_or_MSBME.pdf
You’ll start thinking about doing a dual or BS/MS degree, after your sophomore year, it’s not something you have to decide on now.
Good Luck!