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University of Central Florida vs Florida State University

University of Central Florida is a public university in Orlando, FL, and Florida State University is a public university in Tallahassee, FL. Florida State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 24% of applicants against 40% at University of Central Florida. University of Central Florida is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,411 a year against $11,297 at Florida State University. About 84% of students graduate at Florida State University, compared with 77% at University of Central Florida. Ten years after enrolling, Florida State University alumni earn a median of about $61,675, against $58,308 for University of Central Florida.

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University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL · Public

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Orlando, FL
Tallahassee, FL
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
59,146
32,212
Acceptance rate
40%
24%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–4
3.47–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1350
1270–1410
ACT (middle 50%)
25–29
29–32
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$10,411
$11,297
Full cost / yr
$23,133
$25,720
In-state tuition
$6,368
$5,656
Out-of-state tuition
$22,467
$18,786
Application fee
$30
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,816
$5,938
$30k - $48k
$7,174
$6,963
$48k - $75k
$10,128
$10,496
$75k - $110k
$14,902
$14,991
Over $110k
$17,681
$19,239
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
84%
Freshman retention
92%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,137
$49,814
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,308
$61,675
Median debt at graduation
$18,190
$18,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
23%
First-generation students
35%
28%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Oct 15
Early action
Oct 15
Oct 15
Regular decision
May 1
Dec 1

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 State University harder to get into?
Florida State University is harder to get into. It admits about 24% of applicants, compared with 40% 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.
Which is cheaper, University of Central Florida or Florida State University?
University of Central Florida is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,411 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $11,297 at Florida State University. 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 State University?
Before aid, University of Central Florida costs about $23,133 a year and Florida State University about $25,720. 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 State University?
University of Central Florida. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,816 there, against about $5,938 at Florida State University. 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 State University?
University of Central Florida is the larger of the two, with about 59,146 undergraduates against 32,212 at Florida State University.
Does University of Central Florida or Florida State University have a better graduation rate?
Florida State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 77% at University of Central Florida.
Do graduates of University of Central Florida or Florida State University earn more?
Florida State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,675 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,308 for University of Central Florida. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Central Florida and Florida State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Central Florida considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Florida State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of Central Florida and Florida State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1350 at University of Central Florida and 1270–1410 at Florida State 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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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school