Where Your Child’s Score Fits
SAT Scores for Florida’s Top 10 Universities (2026)
Which Florida universities match your child’s SAT score? The table below ranks ten popular Florida universities by the median SAT score of their latest first-year class, using each school’s own published numbers whenever they are available.
Use it to see where your child’s score sits: comfortably in range, competitive, or a reach. Then read the notes below, because the SAT is only one part of the decision.
Last updated: October 2026 · Written by Fred Dufays, founder of UKE Tutoring
SAT scores at Florida’s top universities
| # | University | Middle 50% SAT | Median SAT | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Florida (UF) | 1330–1490 | 1410 | Public |
| 2 | University of Miami (UM) | 1340–1450 | 1400 | Private |
| 3 | Florida State University (FSU) | 1350–1430 | about 1390 | Public |
| 4 | Rollins College | 1260–1370 | about 1315 | Private |
| 5 | University of Central Florida (UCF) | 1220–1350 | 1280 | Public |
| 6 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach) | 1180–1350 | about 1260 | Private |
| 7 | University of South Florida (USF) | 1160–1340 | 1250 | Public |
| 8 | Eckerd College | 1160–1330 | about 1245 | Private |
| 9 | New College of Florida | 1120–1280 | 1200 | Public |
| 10 | Florida International University (FIU) | 1070–1260 | about 1165 | Public |
“Middle 50%” means half of the first-year students who submitted the SAT scored in this range: a quarter scored lower and a quarter scored higher. “Median” is the middle score of the class: half of the students scored higher and half lower. When a university does not publish it, we show the middle of the range (“about”). Data is for the fall 2025 first-year class where available (UF, FSU, UCF, USF), fall 2024 for UM and FIU, and the latest published profile for the other schools.
How to read your child’s score
- Above the range: the SAT is a strength for that university. The rest of the application (grades, course rigor, essays, activities) will decide.
- Inside the range: your child is competitive on testing. Half of each first-year class is here.
- Below the range: not impossible, but harder. Every point closer to the range helps, which is where a retake can make sense.
For example, a student with a 1350 is inside the range at UF, FSU and UM (in the lower half), and above the range at UCF and USF.
The SAT is only part of the picture
Florida’s top public universities also look closely at grades: the middle 50% weighted GPA of UF’s admitted students is about 4.5 to 4.7, and FSU’s about 4.2 to 4.5. A strong SAT cannot fully make up for a much lower GPA, and a high GPA with a score below the range can still be considered. Course rigor (honors, AP, dual enrollment), essays and activities matter too, especially at UM and Rollins.
Bright Futures: another reason scores matter
For Florida students, the SAT also decides the Bright Futures scholarship. For the Class of 2027, a 1330 qualifies for Florida Academic Scholars (100% of tuition) and a 1190 for Florida Medallion Scholars (75% of tuition), along with GPA and service-hour requirements. For the Class of 2028, the thresholds rise to 1350 and 1200. Scores count until August 31 of the graduation year.
So a student at 1300 is not only close to the UF range: one more SAT could also be worth a full-tuition scholarship at any Florida public university.
Is there still time to take the SAT this year?
For seniors, it depends on the application plan. We explain which SAT date still counts for each university in our guide: Your Last SAT Date for UF, FSU and Other Florida Universities.
For juniors, the spring SAT dates are the best time to aim for these ranges. About 10 weeks of steady preparation is ideal, so starting in January leaves time for the March test and a retake in May or June if needed.
How UKE Tutoring helps students reach their target range
Our 1:1 online SAT prep starts with a full practice test as soon as possible, then another one every two sessions, so each session targets the mistakes that cost your child the most points. When the test date is close, we can schedule two sessions per week. Short on time before the test? Text or WhatsApp Fred and we’ll find the right option. Our tutors attend top US universities.
We work with families across South Florida (Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties) and beyond, since every session is online.
Not sure where your child’s score fits? Text or WhatsApp Fred at (754) 707-1070 with the score and the universities on the list, and we’ll give you an honest answer.
Other questions parents ask
Do Florida universities superscore the SAT?
UF superscores the SAT, combining the best Reading and Writing and the best Math scores across test dates. Many other universities do too; check each admissions page.
Is the SAT required at Florida public universities?
Yes. Florida’s public universities require an SAT, ACT or Classic Learning Test (CLT) score for first-year admission.
Why isn’t my favorite school on the list?
We focused on ten universities South Florida families ask us about most. If yours is missing, its admissions page or Common Data Set lists the same SAT figures.
More free help for South Florida families: see our Family Resource Guide, with official SAT and ACT practice, AP resources, Bright Futures, FAFSA and college planning links.
Sources: UF Common Data Set 2025-26 · UM Common Data Set 2024-25 · FSU student profile · Rollins class profile · UCF Common Data Set 2025-26 · Embry-Riddle (Peterson’s data) · USF Common Data Set 2025-26 · Eckerd (College Board BigFuture) · New College Fact Book 2025-26 · FIU (Common Data Set 2024-25) · Bright Futures Student Handbook 2026-27
UKE Tutoring is an independent tutoring service and is not affiliated with the College Board or any university. Admission statistics change every year and no score guarantees admission: always check each university’s admissions page.