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University of Central Florida vs Florida Atlantic University

University of Central Florida is a public university in Orlando, FL, and Florida Atlantic University is a public university in Boca Raton, FL. University of Central Florida is the more selective of the two, admitting about 40% of applicants against 66% at Florida Atlantic University. Florida Atlantic University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $8,752 a year against $10,411 at University of Central Florida. About 77% of students graduate at University of Central Florida, compared with 63% at Florida Atlantic University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Central Florida alumni earn a median of about $58,308, against $56,746 for Florida Atlantic University.

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL · Public

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Orlando, FL
Boca Raton, FL
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
59,146
23,757
Acceptance rate
40%
66%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–4
~3.87 avg
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1350
1040–1200
ACT (middle 50%)
25–29
21–26
Test policy
Considered
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$10,411
$8,752
Full cost / yr
$23,133
$21,522
In-state tuition
$6,368
$4,879
Out-of-state tuition
$22,467
$17,324
Application fee
$30
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,816
$3,022
$30k - $48k
$7,174
$4,135
$48k - $75k
$10,128
$8,106
$75k - $110k
$14,902
$14,440
Over $110k
$17,681
$16,854
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
63%
Freshman retention
92%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,137
$45,647
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,308
$56,746
Median debt at graduation
$18,190
$17,236
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
34%
First-generation students
35%
39%
International students
3%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Oct 15
Oct 15
Regular decision
May 1
Mar 12

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Central Florida or Florida Atlantic University harder to get into?
University of Central Florida is harder to get into. It admits about 40% of applicants, compared with 66% at Florida Atlantic University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Central Florida or Florida Atlantic University?
Florida Atlantic University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $8,752 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $10,411 at University of Central Florida. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Central Florida and Florida Atlantic University?
Before aid, Florida Atlantic University costs about $21,522 a year and University of Central Florida about $23,133. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Central Florida or Florida Atlantic University?
Florida Atlantic University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $3,022 there, against about $5,816 at University of Central Florida. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Central Florida or Florida Atlantic University?
University of Central Florida is the larger of the two, with about 59,146 undergraduates against 23,757 at Florida Atlantic University.
Does University of Central Florida or Florida Atlantic University have a better graduation rate?
University of Central Florida has the higher graduation rate, at about 77% against 63% at Florida Atlantic University.
Do graduates of University of Central Florida or Florida Atlantic University earn more?
University of Central Florida alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,308 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,746 for Florida Atlantic University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Central Florida and Florida Atlantic University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Central Florida considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Florida Atlantic University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do University of Central Florida and Florida Atlantic University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1350 at University of Central Florida and 1040–1200 at Florida Atlantic University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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