The University of South Florida (USF), Tampa, Florida, is a public research university with an enrollment of approximately 52,000 students. It is recognized for programs in Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Computer Science, and Public Health. Admissions are fairly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 41%. The graduation rate at USF stands at around 73%, and graduates receive average starting salaries of USD $50,000–55,000 (INR 42–47 lakhs) per year.
The University of Miami (UM) in Coral Gables, Florida, is a private research-oriented university with approximately 19,000 students. It is very selective with an acceptance rate of roughly 19% and has good programs in Business, Marine Science, Law, Medicine, and Engineering. UM's graduation rate is even higher at about 91%, and graduates receive average starting salaries of USD $60,000–68,000 (INR 50–57 lakhs) per annum.
| University of South Florida | University of Miami | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 5.1 Out of 10 | 5.5 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 621 QS World University 2025 # 89 US News 2024 # 251 Times Higher Education 2024 | # 201 Times Higher Education 2026 # 314 QS World University 2026 # 201 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 85 for Engineering by US News 2024 # 50 for Medicine by US News 2024 # 51 for Law by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2021 | # 401 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 141 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 176 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -179 PG Programs -84 Doctorate Programs -45 | UG Programs -159 PG Programs -81 Doctorate Programs -79 |
| Acceptance Rate | 41.0 % | 19.0 % |
| Exam Score | GMAT-500 IELTS-6.5 PTE-53 SAT-1250 TOEFL-79 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1230 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 17324 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 15864 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 14440 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 53112 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 48720 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 33654 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Average Salaries are lisited below :
| The median salary of the students is around $52K. Some of the top companies where the students include Google, CBS, Apple, L’Oreal, Amazon, Citibank etc. 98% students received jobs or were pursuing education within six months of graduation |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit English language scores Check program specific requirements | Submit official transcripts of all previous education Submit English language proficiency test scores Submit letters of recommendation Check program specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 8.1/10 Read 9 reviews | 8.8/10 Read 2 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 351 for Business by QS World University 2024 # 102 for Business by US News 2023 # 201 for Business by Times Higher Education 2023 | # 50 for Business by US News 2025 # 301 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 301 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 79/120 | Duolingo - 125/160GMAT - 550/800IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -18417 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -19917 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Nov 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake) Jun 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) | Mar 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2025 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of South Florida | University of Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1956 | 1925 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 20:1 | 11:1 |
| Male:Female | 46% Male, 54% Female | 48% Male, 52% Female |
| Location Facts | USF is situated in the vibrant and diverse Tampa Bay region, with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. Together our campuses comprise more than 1,600 acres and nearly 12 million square feet of building space, with areas boasting coastal, bayfront and riverfront views. | The University of Miami has three campuses on more than 400 acres throughout Miami-Dade County. The Coral Gables campus, the University’s main campus, is home to two colleges and eight schools and is located on a 239-acre tract in Coral Gables. Other two campuses are Miller School campus and Rosenstiel School Campus. |
| Library | The USF Libraries offer access to over 1.3 million books and an extensive selection of print and electronic resources, including 52,000 e-journal subscriptions, 443,000 e-books, and over 800 databases containing articles, media and other materials. | The libraries of the University of Miami rank among the top research libraries in North America with a combined collection of over 4 million volumes, with over 100,000 current electronic and print serials. The libraries are located on the Coral Gables, Rosenstiel, and Medical campuses. |
| Campus Life | With more than 600 clubs and student organizations, plus 19 varsity sports, an active student government and a thriving arts scene, USF truly has something for everyone. You can plan the Homecoming parade, learn to dance the Tango, cheer on the Bulls at Raymond James Stadium, write for The Oracle, volunteer in the community and so much more! And be sure to visit the 28,000 square foot Recreation & Wellness Center – or its satellite locations – to work out, swim, take a group fitness class or play one of the 50 intramural sports offered on campus. | Set one foot on campus and you’ll feel it—a vibe that celebrates life, learning, and daily activities that are anything but routine. Capitalizing on its glorious weather, national reputation, and location at the crossroads of the Americas, the University of Miami offers students unparalleled academic support, enrichment activities galore, sports and cultural offerings, wellness and fitness programs, and endless opportunities to explore, engage, and better the community and the world. With exceptional dining options and residential halls, a bounty of social, cultural and academic activities, sporting venues, an easy-to-traverse campus with shuttle service and a myriad of parking options, the University of Miami is home away from home, a place where students who live on or commute to campus can stretch their comfort zones and expand their horizons. |
| Hostel | #Food - $5600 #Housing - $8840 | #On campus - $13666 #Off campus (not with family) - $16926 #Off campus (with family) - $3062 |
| Famous Alumni | Alumni of the University have access to Global Career Services, Financial and Investment Services, an invitation to networking events and reunions, etc. Some of the University of South Florida's notable alumni are:
| Rony Abovitz , founder of MAKO Surgical Corp Will Allen, urban farmer and recipient of MacArthur Foundation's "Genius Award" Ralph Alvarez, board member at Dunkin' Donuts and former president and chief operating officer of McDonald's Corporation Micky Arison, chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation and owner of Miami Heat Bakr bin Laden, former chairman of Saudi Binladin Group and half-brother of Al-Qaeda terrorist Osama bin Laden |
| City Life | Residents of the Tampa Bay area enjoy both a laid-back beach lifestyle and the amenities of a large metropolitan area, including professional sports teams, museums, and an array of entertainment and dining options. Living in the Tampa Bay area is like being on vacation all year. Located north of the bay, Tampa has a hip social scene and a thriving Hispanic community and is notable for Ybor City, once known as "the Cigar Capital of the World." On the opposite side of the bay, the beaches of St. Petersburg offer water sports and activities like parasailing and dolphin-watching cruises, while the city itself has become a major arts destination, home of the renowned Dali Museum. | Known for its dynamic nightlife, spectacular white-sand beaches, and thriving modern art scene, Miami’s culture is vibrant and diverse with a strong Caribbean and Latin-American influence. From Jean-Georges Vongerichten to Thomas Keller, some of the greatest chefs on the planet have planted their culinary flag in Miami. And, of course, it’s no surprise that some of the world’s best Cuban food calls Miami its home, as well. Its reputation as America’s playground is well deserved. For more than twenty years, the Port of Miami has been known as the Cruise Capital of the World, holding the title as the largest cruise passenger port in the world. Boasting nearly 150 parks, gardens, playgrounds, and recreation areas, Miami is considered a Top 10 U.S. destination for both golf and deep-sea fishing, as well. Then, of course, there’s the coastline. From South Beach to Cape Florida State Park, some of the world’s most beautiful beaches can be found in Miami. The average monthly cost of living for a family of four in Miami to be around $3,700 a month (excluding housing). For a single person, the cost of living drops to around $1,000 a month (also excluding housing). Homeowners in Miami often spend more than the national average. However, residents don’t have to pay income taxes or taxes related to pensions, Social Security, or inheritance. |
| Weather |
University of South Florida vs University of Miami
Topic Strength & International Rankings (2025/2026)
University of Miami (UM) ranks higher internationally than the University of South Florida (USF). UM is approximately 314 in QS 2026 and 201-250 in THE 2026, with programs of strength in Business, Marine Science, Law, Medicine, Music, and Engineering. USF ranks approximately 654 in QS 2026 and 351 - 400 in THE 2026, with established programs in Engineering, Public Health, Business, Nursing, and Life Sciences that indicate its focus on research and applied programs.
General Information
UM, established in 1925 in Coral Gables, Florida, is a private research institution with ~17,000 students, recognized for selective admissions, international research, and professional schools. USF, established in 1956 in Tampa, Florida, is a public research institution with ~50,000 students, providing a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, and focusing on research, innovation, and workforce development.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
UM is very selective (19%), with competitive admission for Business, Law, Medicine, Engineering, and Music. USF is moderately selective (41%), with competitive majors in Engineering, Health Sciences, and Business, particularly for in-state students.
Research Impact & Facilities
UM is heavily research-focused, with significant research strengths in medicine, marine science, business, and law, backed by advanced research centers, professional schools, and modern laboratories. USF, too, is research-focused, especially in health sciences, engineering, environmental studies, and public health, with close ties to local industries and hospitals.
Cost & Financial Aid
UM, a private university, has approximately $60,000 annual tuition with need-based and merit-based scholarships and research funding available. USF, a public university, has ~$6,400 in-state and ~$17,000 out-of-state tuition per year, with merit scholarships, need-based aid, and research assistantships.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
UM graduates lead the world in business, law, healthcare, engineering, music, and research, with extensive professional contacts. USF graduates thrive in STEM fields, healthcare, business, and public service, leveraging its extensive alumni network, local industry connections, and applied learning initiatives.
