Head-to-Head Comparison
Fordham University vs University of Central Florida
- Fordham Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 8
- Central Florida Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Central Florida offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Fordham University achieves a higher graduation rate (81% vs 77%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $44,338 compared to University of Central Florida's $10,411 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Central Florida's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Fordham
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, 47% more than University of Central Florida
- Higher grad rate: 81% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Central Florida
- Lower cost: Average net price of $10,411, roughly $33,927 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,190, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 40% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fordham graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (19% of degrees); Central Florida in Business & Marketing (14%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Fordham University over University of Central Florida. Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment vs $58,308.
Pick University of Central Florida over Fordham University. Net price $10,411 vs $44,338.
Pick Fordham University over University of Central Florida. 4% mobility rate vs 2.6%.
Pick Fordham University over University of Central Florida. 81% completion rate vs 77%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fordham University and University of Central Florida split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
University of Central Florida is the harder admit. It takes 40% of applicants, while Fordham University takes 59%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,418 to 1,269.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Central Florida sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of Central Florida comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $10,411, about $33,927 a year below Fordham University's $44,338. Graduates of University of Central Florida also borrow less: median debt of $18,190, against $24,300.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $135,708 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Central Florida leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Fordham University graduates report median earnings of $85,569, compared with $58,308 at University of Central Florida. That is a 47% advantage. Set against borrowing, Fordham University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 47% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Fordham University graduates a larger share of its students, 81% versus 77%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Fordham University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4%; at University of Central Florida, it is 2.6%. Fordham University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 7.2%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Fordham University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Central Florida to keep costs and debt down; pick Fordham University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Central Florida saves about $33,927 a year, yet Fordham University graduates earn $27,261 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
University of Central Florida is harder to get into, with a 40% admit rate, but Fordham University posts the higher mobility rate, at 4%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Fordham University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, while University of Central Florida leans toward Health Professions, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $44,338 runs well above University of Central Florida's $10,411.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $24,300, against $18,190 at University of Central Florida.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Central Florida's enrollment of 59,146 far exceeds Fordham University's 10,512.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Central Florida offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Fordham does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Fordham University
Bronx, NY · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of over 10,500 students, Fordham University in the Bronx, NY, caters to those who are serious about their education and looking for a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 59% suggests that while it's competitive, many students have the chance to join a community that values diverse perspectives. Popular areas of study include Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Psychology, and Communications, making it an attractive choice for students pursuing both practical and theoretical knowledge.
After graduation, alumni can expect to earn an average of $85,569 within ten years, which reflects the solid grounding they receive in their respective fields. While the details on mobility and economic connectedness aren’t available, it’s clear that a Fordham degree can open doors for many students. The affordability aspect is also worth noting, as it allows for a good return on investment, especially when considering the earnings potential.
The net price after aid stands at $44,338, and with a median debt of $24,300, many graduates find themselves in a manageable financial situation as they start their careers. Students who thrive here tend to be those who actively engage with the community, seek out internships, and take advantage of networking opportunities. Fordham’s supportive environment encourages personal and professional growth, making it a solid choice for those ready to invest in their future.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL · Public
With over 59,000 students enrolled, the University of Central Florida is one of the largest public universities in the nation. This scale translates into a rich diversity of academic programs and campus life, making it a vibrant community for students seeking both education and social engagement.
Data from Opportunity Insights shows that UCF graduates see a median earnings increase to $58,308 ten years after enrolling. This reflects a solid return on investment, especially when considering the university’s net price of $10,411 and median debt of $18,190. While specific mobility metrics are not available, the university serves a significant number of Pell Grant recipients, indicating a commitment to supporting low-income students.
Students who thrive at UCF often pursue degrees in popular fields like Business, Health Professions, and Engineering. The moderate acceptance rate of 40% suggests that the university seeks students who show potential for success. With a graduation rate of 77%, many students are able to complete their degrees and enter the workforce prepared and skilled.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Central Florida is featured on the Best Education Colleges in Florida ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 19% of Fordham's student body and 14% of Central Florida's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Fordham) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Central Florida).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fordham University is strongest in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Communications, while University of Central Florida concentrates in Health Professions, Psychology, Visual & Performing Arts. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Fordham
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Fordham University or University of Central Florida?
University of Central Florida is harder to get into, admitting 40% of applicants compared with 59% at Fordham University.
Which is more affordable, Fordham University or University of Central Florida?
University of Central Florida is more affordable, with an average net price of $10,411 after aid versus $44,338 at Fordham University.
Do Fordham University or University of Central Florida graduates earn more?
Fordham University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, versus $58,308 at University of Central Florida.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fordham University or University of Central Florida?
Fordham University has the higher graduation rate, 81% versus 77%.
Fordham University vs University of Central Florida: which is better for social mobility?
Fordham University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4% versus 2.6%.
Should you choose Fordham University or University of Central Florida?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Central Florida if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Fordham University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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