University of South Florida (USF) vs University of New Mexico-Main Campus (UNM)

When it comes to higher education, the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of New Mexico-Main Campus (UNM) offer distinct experiences for prospective students. USF, located in Tampa, Florida, boasts a higher acceptance rate (50%) compared to UNM's 78%. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with USF excelling in fields like business, engineering, and health professions, while UNM shines in areas such as fine arts, education, and social work. USF's student body is more racially and ethnically diverse, with a higher percentage of Hispanic and Black students, while UNM has a larger Native American population. In terms of graduation rates, USF has a slightly higher four-year graduation rate (44%) than UNM's 39%. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these aspects and more, allowing you to assess which university aligns best with

	University of New Mexico-Main Campus	University of South Florida
Overview
Location	Albuquerque, New Mexico	Tampa, Florida
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	68.0%	90.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	97.3%	49.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $30
SAT range	N/A	1140 - 1330
ACT range	19 - 26	24 - 29
Students submitting SAT score		70.0%
Students submitting ACT score	28.0%	30.0%
Total number of applicants	11,346	50,352
Total number of admissions given out	11,036	24,863
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,077	6,279
Yield rate	27.9%	25.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $23,725 Out of state: $41,063	In state: $21,812 Out of state: $32,726
Average net price	$11,396	$11,419
Tuition	In state: $6,604 Out of state: $23,942	In state: $4,559 Out of state: $15,473
Room & board	$10,396	Room/dormitory: $8,328 Meal plan: $4,240
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	98.0% Average amount $7,531	98.0% Average amount $9,965
Students receiving federal student loan	54.0% Average amount $5,240	20.0% Average amount $6,281
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $10,500	2.0% Average amount $11,370

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	15,793 Men 41.6% Women 58.4%	38,011 Men 43.2% Women 56.8%
Graduate students	6,346 Men 44.1% Women 55.9%	11,697 Men 38.6% Women 61.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	21.2%	14.9%
International students	4.8%	9.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,492	7,468
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New Mexico Texas California Colorado Arizona	Florida New Jersey New York Illinois Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Engineering Education Visual & Performing Arts	Health Professions Biological and Biomedical Sciences Engineering Business Education
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	22:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	53.6%	74.6%
Dropout rate	40.9%	13.4%
Transferred out	N/A	10.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $117,174 Year 2: $124,631 Year 3: $128,888 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,409 Year 2: $94,999 Year 3: $106,457 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,927 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $86,346 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,115 Year 2: $65,053 Year 3: $83,794 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $59,598 Year 2: $68,965 Year 3: $76,357 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,723 Year 2: $70,863 Year 3: $74,672 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,481 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $71,489 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $58,379 Year 2: $65,424 Year 3: $70,962 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,309 Year 2: $60,771 Year 3: $69,058 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $68,774 Year 2: $59,688 Year 3: $68,840	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $105,372 Year 2: $111,992 Year 3: $120,368 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $95,164 Year 2: $109,459 Year 3: $115,008 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,251 Year 2: $97,850 Year 3: $102,723 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $86,867 Year 3: $100,013 Computer Systems Analysis (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $85,308 Year 2: $87,604 Year 3: $99,399 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,147 Year 2: $84,100 Year 3: $90,501 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $70,332 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $82,432 Medical Illustration and Informatics (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,033 Year 2: $73,321 Year 3: $81,165 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,306 Year 2: $68,727 Year 3: $79,275 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $70,711 Year 2: $66,566 Year 3: $79,114

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of New Mexico (UNM)?

USF is located in Tampa, Florida, a major metropolitan area with a vibrant urban environment and proximity to beaches. UNM is situated in Albuquerque, New Mexico, offering a Southwestern cultural experience with access to outdoor activities like hiking and skiing in the nearby Sandia Mountains. USF's campus is generally more modern and sprawling, while UNM's campus features historic architecture and a distinct Southwestern aesthetic.
How do the academic programs at USF and UNM compare?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. USF is particularly strong in engineering, business, and medicine. UNM excels in programs related to its location, such as Native American studies, archaeology, and earth sciences. Both universities have strong research profiles, but the specific areas of focus differ based on their respective strengths and geographical locations.
What is the cost of attendance like at USF versus UNM?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, varies. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates, especially for in-state students. However, the specific costs can fluctuate. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date information on tuition and financial aid opportunities, as these can significantly impact the overall cost.
How do the student populations and campus cultures differ at USF and UNM?

USF has a large and diverse student body, reflecting the demographics of the Tampa Bay area. The campus culture is often described as energetic and focused on student life. UNM also has a diverse student population, with a significant representation of Hispanic and Native American students, reflecting the cultural richness of New Mexico. The campus culture at UNM is often characterized by a strong sense of community and a connection to Southwestern traditions.
What are the research opportunities like at USF and UNM?

Both universities are designated as Research I institutions, meaning they have very high research activity. USF has a strong focus on research in areas like medicine, engineering, and marine science. UNM excels in research related to its unique location, including areas like nuclear physics, climate change, and Native American studies. Both universities provide ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research projects.
How do the athletic programs compare at USF and UNM?

USF competes in NCAA Division I athletics, with its football and basketball programs being particularly prominent. UNM also competes in Division I, with a strong tradition in basketball and other sports. Both universities offer a variety of athletic events and opportunities for student involvement, contributing to the overall campus spirit.
What are the career services and job placement rates like at USF and UNM?

Both universities offer comprehensive career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. USF, located in a major metropolitan area, often has strong connections with local and national employers in various industries. UNM also has strong career services, with a focus on connecting students with opportunities in New Mexico and the surrounding region. Job placement rates vary by program and industry, so it's best to consult each university's career services website for specific data.
How does the availability of on-campus housing differ between USF and UNM?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options for students. USF has a variety of residence halls and apartment-style living options. UNM also provides on-campus housing, including traditional residence halls and apartment complexes. The availability of housing can vary, so it's advisable to apply early and check the university's housing website for details on application deadlines and room availability.
What are the notable alumni from USF and UNM?

Both universities have produced successful alumni in various fields. USF alumni include individuals in business, science, and the arts. UNM alumni include notable figures in politics, science, and the arts, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of the student body. Specific notable alumni can be found on each university's official website.
Which university is a better fit for me, USF or UNM?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and academic goals. If you prefer a vibrant urban environment with access to beaches and strong programs in engineering and medicine, USF might be a good choice. If you are drawn to a Southwestern cultural experience, outdoor activities, and programs related to Native American studies or earth sciences, UNM could be a better fit. Consider visiting both campuses, if possible, and researching the specific programs that interest you to make an informed decision.

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