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University of Central Florida vs University of South Florida

University of Central Florida is a public university in Orlando, FL, and University of South Florida is a public university in Tampa, FL. University of Central Florida is the more selective of the two, admitting about 40% of applicants against 43% at University of South Florida. University of South Florida is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,812 a year against $10,411 at University of Central Florida. About 77% of students graduate at University of Central Florida, compared with 76% at University of South Florida. Ten years after enrolling, University of Central Florida alumni earn a median of about $58,308, against $57,743 for University of South Florida.

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University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL · Public

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Orlando, FL
Tampa, FL
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
59,146
37,207
Acceptance rate
40%
43%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–4
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1350
1130–1320
ACT (middle 50%)
25–29
24–29
Test policy
Considered
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$10,411
$9,812
Full cost / yr
$23,133
$22,859
In-state tuition
$6,368
$6,410
Out-of-state tuition
$22,467
$17,324
Application fee
$30
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,816
$4,122
$30k - $48k
$7,174
$5,444
$48k - $75k
$10,128
$9,326
$75k - $110k
$14,902
$15,224
Over $110k
$17,681
$18,497
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
76%
Freshman retention
92%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,137
$48,328
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,308
$57,743
Median debt at graduation
$18,190
$17,988
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
29%
First-generation students
35%
36%
International students
3%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Oct 15
Nov 2
Regular decision
May 1
Dec 16

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 University of South Florida harder to get into?
University of Central Florida is harder to get into. It admits about 40% of applicants, compared with 43% at University of South 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 University of South Florida?
University of South Florida is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,812 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 University of South Florida?
Before aid, University of South Florida costs about $22,859 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 University of South Florida?
University of South Florida. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,122 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 University of South Florida?
University of Central Florida is the larger of the two, with about 59,146 undergraduates against 37,207 at University of South Florida.
Does University of Central Florida or University of South Florida have a better graduation rate?
University of Central Florida has the higher graduation rate, at about 77% against 76% at University of South Florida.
Do graduates of University of Central Florida or University of South Florida earn more?
University of Central Florida alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,308 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,743 for University of South Florida. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Central Florida and University of South Florida require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Central Florida considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of South Florida requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do University of Central Florida and University of South Florida look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1350 at University of Central Florida and 1130–1320 at University of South Florida. 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