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The University of Florida (UF) is a comprehensive, land-grant, research university. It is one of only 17 public, land-grant universities that belongs to the Association of American Universities.
UF is the state’s oldest university, situated in Gainesville. In 1995, Money magazine called the city the best place to live in the United States. UF excels in research, teaching, technology and athletics. Its students, faculty, alumni and fans collectively comprise the Gator Nation.
- Known for: Ranked as one of the nation’s top universities. Championship Gator football team hosts opponents in “The Swamp.” Alumni include writer Carl Hiaasen, Nobel Prize winner Marshall Nirenberg, comedian Darrell Hammond, and home improvement guru Bob Vila.
- Cost: Average for 2011-12 year – in state $5,700, out-of-state $27,936
- Class size: With an overall student body surpassing 50,000, Liberal Arts classes tend to be large.
- Student facts:The freshman retention rate of 95 percent is among the highest in the country. Students come from more than 130 countries and all 50 states. Minorities represent 42 percent of entering students. The ratio of women to men is 54:46.
- Fun fact: UF alum Robert Cade invented Gatorade in 1965. Contrary to popular belief, UF is not responsible for the semiannual Love Bug invasion in Florida.
