This site is no longer active. Please visit http://arts.ufl.edu to view the current website.

Why UF?

Top Reasons To Study at UF

Be Part of a Legacy

With beginnings in 1853, UF is the state's oldest and most comprehensive university. We are among the nation's most academically diverse public universities with a long history of established programs in international education, research and service. It is one of only 17 public, land-grant universities that belongs to the Association of American Universities.

The University of Florida is ranked in the top 50 colleges and universities in the US by U.S. News & World Report (2009) and 2nd among all universities in Kiplinger’s magazine "Top 10 Best Values in Public Colleges" (2008).

In 1985, UF became a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), the prestigious higher-education organization comprised of the top 62 public and private institutions in North America.

College of Fine Arts History

High Value, Low Cost

A university education is one of the most significant investments a family makes. It is also one of the most important choices a student makes, for it will affect the rest of his/her life. Florida's tuition and fees are the lowest among public universities in the American Association of Universities (AAU) and are ranked fourth in the nation for value among state institutions.

UF Financial Aid

Supportive Community: Locally and Globally

Hippodrome at nightThe City of Gainesville’s slogan is “every path starts with passion” and our visitor’s bureau markets the community as “where nature and culture meet.” The area offers a sophisticated and scholarly environment, within an academic enclave built with the future in mind. Living here, you’ll enjoy enlightening and engaging cultural and arts activities and a centralized location that puts you within comfortable driving distance of famous parks, beaches, lakes, springs and other attractions.

But the student body at University of Florida isn’t limited exclusively to Gainesville. UF students have an incredible range of online programs and study abroad opportunities for summer, semester or academic year study. There are more than 20 UF faculty-led programs and more than 40 exchange programs with universities all over the world.

UF International Center

School Spirit and Student Involvement

Fireworks at Gator Growl, showing off our school spirit.While academic study is your primary reason for being at UF, there is still much to be learned by taking advantage of the many opportunities outside of the classroom. From national champion athletic programs (Go Gators!) to a broad slate of campus organizations and recreational programs, participation will help you gain valuable skills that will compliment your academic education and make you a well-rounded individual.

Each year the close to 830 student organizations sponsor conferences, seminars, lectures, debates, cultural and social events, and fine arts programs. These activities allow UF students to meet and interact with local, state, nationally and internationally renowned scholars, artists, politicians, academicians and other professionals. Student organization members also spend countless volunteer hours each academic year participating in service projects for campus and community efforts. Such organizations foster valuable experiences for students that lead to significant learning and development and create a sense of belonging.

Reitz Union

Renowned Academics and Career Resources

UF is currently ranked in the top 20 of U.S. public universities and is a leading research institution. UF offers more than 100 undergraduate degree programs in 21 colleges and schools, as well as 200 graduate degree programs. Other opportunities include a four-semester Honors Program for top students, interdisciplinary studies that allow students to design their own majors, and combined-degree programs that allow students to begin graduate work while finishing an undergraduate degree.

UF is committed to providing students with the personal and thorough academic advisement students need to achieve their college goals. UF advisers help to keep students on track with requirements for their major by developing an academic plan that results in students' success. UF's universal tracking system enables students to review their academic records, examine other majors, drop and add courses, and review unmet requirements. The Career Resource Center helps thousands of students each year find summer internships, apply to graduate and professional schools, and find permanent jobs after graduation.

UF Career Resource Center

Great and Diverse: The UF Student Body

UF had the fourth-largest student enrollment of all U.S. universities in 2009 with more than 50,000 students from all 50 states and 100 foreign countries. UF ranks second among public institutions in the U.S. for the number of National Merit Scholars enrolled and ranks fifth among all colleges and universities in the U.S. for the number of National Merit Scholars enrolled. UF ranked third in degrees awarded to African American students in 2000-01 and fifth among AAU public universities in the number of Ph.D.s awarded to Latino students.

Video Courtesy of UF Multicultural and Diversity Affairs. UF Multicultural & Diversity Affairs promotes an inclusive campus community by creating environments in which students learn about themselves and diverse others, engage in meaningful intercultural dialogue, and enhance their leadership and commitment to social justice.

UF Multicultural and Diversity Affairs

The Gator Nation

If admitted to UF, you don't just become a student, you become a Gator, forever part of a unique and renowned group of people, past and present, who have made UF one of the nation's top public universities. Gators support and encourage each other, sharing a bond of their memorable connections to UF. With its strong tradition of academics, UF prepares students for high achievement, no matter where their ambitions take them. No matter where you go around the globe, you will find an alumnus who will say,"I'm proud to be a Florida Gator!"

Today, University of Florida alumni on record total nearly 340,000. The alumni can be found in every state and in more than 100 foreign countries. The Alumni Association is responsible for a network of nearly 100 Gator Clubs in Florida, across the U.S. and internationally. These clubs are composed of alumni and friends who represent UF in their communities. They hold a wide variety of programs and events in support of the university. The Alumni Association is also actively involved with the recruitment of superior students to attend the University and with financial assistance programs in the form of scholarships sponsored by the Gator Clubs. Overall, University of Florida has produced one of the largest and most loyal bodies of alumni within the United States.

UF Alumni Association

UF

Please upgrade your browser to the latest version
or disable compatibility view for a better
viewing experience.