UMiami vs. UFlorida

<p>i was just wondering if anyones been to either of these schools and could just tell me about both of them.. because academically they seem to be around the same but how about campus life, etc.? im having a hard time choosing between the two</p>

<p>thanks for the help</p>

<p>Both have big party scenes, and UFlorida is notably larger (3x as many undergraduate students). You will probably have a good time at either one, but if you prefer not to be around such a vast number of people, UMiami may be better, especially also if you want a bigger city.</p>

<p>Very different schools....a medium size private near a large city versus a large public in a college town. UF has vastly more programs. In general UF's programs are ranked higher, but it would be helpful to know your intended area of study, because Miami has some excellent programs as well.</p>

<p>How is miami in engineering/computer science?</p>

<p>Well i'm leaning towards either business or pre-law.. im also interested in doing a minor in theater</p>

<p>about the same academically. some programs though vary in quality by school though. Both biz schools are good though so u shouldnt have any problem at either one. Both have solid party scenes though FLorida is more house party oriented and UMiami is more clubbing at South Beach and the Grove. Both are strong in sports, lots of school spirit. Both have really nice campuses. UF is a more brick, historic feel and UMiami is a more tropical, contemporary Mediterranean feel. </p>

<p>Differences:
- Class size at Miami are significantly smaller than UF. I am not sure about UF exact student faculty ratio but I know at Miami its 12:1. UF should be around 18-22:1. big difference. I have several friends at UF and they do tell me classes are all large unless in honors. </p>

<ul>
<li>UF located in a college town in the middle of nowhere. </li>
<li><p>UMiami located in a major city.</p></li>
<li><p>UF is rediculously cheap if u are a Floridian, if not, tuition is no different than Miami. Its also worth noting that Miami, though having high tuition, is selected by US News as a best Value school because its financial aid is very generous often giving u close to half if not more than half in financial aid and loans. </p></li>
<li><p>weather: while both are in Florida, believe it or not, weather up n GVille can get very cold while in Miami its generally in the 60's and 70's throughout the entire school year. sometimes it may hit 50's but thats generally 2 or 3 weeks in the entire school year. </p></li>
<li><p>UMiami has very close proximity to the beaches, while UF is closer to theme parks and what not....</p></li>
</ul>

<p>I guess more differences will come up from other posters but generally those were the differences i could pin point off the top of my head.</p>

<p>It seems like people have already pointed out the main differences between the schools. I think the biggest differences that you'll find are just in the college life/college experience. As people have already said, the schools are in two totally different environments. Gainesville is in the middle of nowhere and the entire town revolves around the school. Obviously, Miami isn't the same. At Gainesville the social life pretty much revolves around sports and Greek life. Both of these things are important at UM, too, but not to as great of an extent because there are so many other things to do in/around Miami. Partying at UF is usually a frat or house party ... Partying at UM is in the Grove, South Beach, and frat parties, too. Both schools offer completely different college experiences, so you have to just think about what exactly you're looking for in a college. Also, consider if the size of the school is really important to you. As somebody already said, UF as huge. At UM, it's much more close-knit and the student body has a "family" feel to it.</p>

<p>thanks for all the replies i am learning a lot lol</p>

<p>but canes, you said </p>

<p>"- UF is rediculously cheap if u are a Floridian, if not, tuition is no different than Miami. Its also worth noting that Miami, though having high tuition, is selected by US News as a best Value school because its financial aid is very generous often giving u close to half if not more than half in financial aid and loans."</p>

<p>i live in NY so would i still get generous aid? my family is middle class.. not rich but not poor either</p>

<p>cant say how much for certain but I was arguably upper middle class and got close to half tution cut off on grants and the remainder on loans (some with interest others without). u shouldnt have any problem imo. They are really good at giving aid. not sure bout Florida with Out of Stater's. Especially now with all the budget cuts...</p>

<p>Since you asked about business, I will point out UF's undergrad progam is ranked 27th nationally by USNews, while Miami's is ranked 71st.</p>

<p>You really need to figure our which environment is better for you, and get a realistic handle on cost. Miami is generous with merit aid, but UF's OOS tuition is still very cheap and is Kiplinger's 3rd-best value for OOS publics.
Good luck with your decision.</p>

<p>Rogracer that ranking matters little.... at the end of the day average salaries for UM biz grads are much higher than UF biz grads. </p>

<p>here are the stats:</p>

<p>UMiami: [url=<a href="http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/rankings/undergraduate_mba_profiles/miami.html%5DUniversity"&gt;http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/rankings/undergraduate_mba_profiles/miami.html]University&lt;/a> of Miami: Undergraduate Profile </p>

<p>I wasn't knocking Miami's B-school...just saying UF's is "ranked" higher...which it is....a lot higher by US News and a little higher by Business Week. And even though you say...and I quote..."salaries for UM's biz grads are MUCH (emphasis mine) higher than UF's biz grads", I don't think a 1K difference in median pay is meaningful at all, especially since the data is not normalized for geographic location, among other things.</p>

<p>But enough of this silliness...both are good schools. So the OP needs to find the best fit for him/her and factor in the cost of the education.</p>

<p>One point that hasn't been mentioned when comparing UF to UM is the student body.....UF is going to be mostly Florida residents while UM is very diverse with students from all over country and the world.</p>

<p>I can't speak personally about UF as my son goes to UM. But we have had a very good experience at UM. The school has a very personal feel to it and problems or requests are handled quickly. I think they go out of their way to please. When we went to the parent weekend when my son was a Freshman, Donna Shalala walked around to every table asking if we were happy with the school.</p>

<p>Go Gators!!!!!</p>

<p>Steve-
I think both schools are excellent and have excellent reputations.
I don't think you'd have any problem getting a job/going to grad school based on the name of either school or that one gives you an advantage over the other.
My friend (Fl resident) sent both kids to UF. Both happy. One just graduated from their Vet school too.
My son is at Miami. We are from Long Island as are many of the kids. My thoughts from a Mom's prospective:
Small Campus. Easy to navigate. Classes close by.
Pretty campus. Resort atmosphere with everything you need outside to relax and enjoy yourself.
Family atmosphere for the kids and parents.
Assessable advisers and great advising- can't register for classes without it.
Small classes. Sons largest was 61 (well 60 and they let him be the 61st) and the rest have been between 12- 25.
UM is in a suburb of Miami. Not a city atmosphere but close enough if you want to go to Miami.
Party school with plenty of "clubbers"... but many who are NOT into it at all.
Cane spirit in sports and everywhere.
Emails get answered rapidly from UM staff.
Good public transportation close to campus.</p>

<p>Here's my link again for merit scholarship information which may help you out.
Academic</a> Scholarships for 2008-2009 | University of Miami</p>

<p>Why not apply to both and see what happens.
Where in NY are you?</p>