Head-to-Head Comparison
Lafayette College vs University of Central Florida
- Lafayette Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 9
- Central Florida Wins
- 25
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Central Florida offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Lafayette College achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 77%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $34,433 compared to University of Central Florida's $10,411 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Central Florida benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $58,308 at ten years.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Lafayette
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $91,410 ten years after enrollment, 57% more than University of Central Florida
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $16,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 31% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Central Florida
- Lower cost: Average net price of $10,411, roughly $24,022 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Lafayette graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (30% 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 Lafayette College over University of Central Florida. Median earnings of $91,410 ten years after enrollment vs $58,308.
Pick University of Central Florida over Lafayette College. Net price $10,411 vs $34,433.
Pick University of Central Florida over Lafayette College. 2.6% mobility rate vs 1.6%.
Pick Lafayette College over University of Central Florida. 88% completion rate vs 77%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Lafayette College and University of Central Florida are close on paper, but Lafayette College wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Lafayette College is the harder admit. It takes 31% of applicants, while University of Central Florida takes 40%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,424 to 1,269.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Lafayette College 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 $24,022 a year below Lafayette College's $34,433. Graduates of Lafayette College also borrow less: median debt of $16,000, against $18,190.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $96,088 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, Lafayette College graduates report median earnings of $91,410, compared with $58,308 at University of Central Florida. That is a 57% advantage. Set against borrowing, Lafayette College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 57% 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
Lafayette College graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 77%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 11% 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
University of Central Florida does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.6%; at Lafayette College, it is 1.6%. University of Central Florida also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.8%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, University of Central Florida 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 Lafayette College 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 $24,022 a year, yet Lafayette College graduates earn $33,102 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Lafayette College is harder to get into, with a 31% admit rate, but University of Central Florida posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.6%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Lafayette College concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while University of Central Florida leans toward Business & Marketing, 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 $34,433 runs well above University of Central Florida's $10,411.
- Business and consulting-track students: Lafayette College has less business program depth, and University of Central Florida offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Lafayette College has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Central Florida's enrollment of 59,146 far exceeds Lafayette College's 2,757.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Central Florida holds onto its admits more tightly: 30% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Lafayette — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 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
Lafayette College
Easton, PA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of 31%, Lafayette College in Easton, PA, is an appealing choice for students who are ready to engage deeply with their education in a supportive community. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Biology and Biomedical Studies, Psychology, and Visual and Performing Arts. The college’s emphasis on collaborative learning and hands-on experiences really stands out, making it a place where students can explore their passions while also preparing for their careers.
After graduation, Lafayette alumni can expect to earn an impressive average of $91,410 within ten years of completing their degrees. This figure highlights the strong return on investment that a Lafayette education can offer. With a graduation rate of 88%, it’s clear that students are not just enrolling here; they’re succeeding. This high success rate indicates that the college is effectively supporting students in their academic journeys, and that many are moving on to thriving careers.
In terms of affordability, the net price after aid is around $34,433, with a median debt load of $16,000 for graduates. This manageable debt level suggests that students can graduate with less financial burden, allowing them to focus on their careers and life after college. Lafayette tends to attract motivated individuals who are eager to make the most of their college experience, contributing to a vibrant campus culture where students thrive both academically and socially.
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
Lafayette's top program is Sociology (30% of enrollment), while Central Florida leads with Business Administration (14%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for Lafayette) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Central Florida).
The two schools feed different job markets. Lafayette College is strongest in Social Sciences, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while University of Central Florida concentrates in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, 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.
Lafayette
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Lafayette College or University of Central Florida?
Lafayette College is harder to get into, admitting 31% of applicants compared with 40% at University of Central Florida.
Which is more affordable, Lafayette College or University of Central Florida?
University of Central Florida is more affordable, with an average net price of $10,411 after aid versus $34,433 at Lafayette College.
Do Lafayette College or University of Central Florida graduates earn more?
Lafayette College graduates earn more: median earnings of $91,410 ten years after enrollment, versus $58,308 at University of Central Florida.
Which has a better graduation rate, Lafayette College or University of Central Florida?
Lafayette College has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 77%.
Lafayette College vs University of Central Florida: which is better for social mobility?
University of Central Florida is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.6% versus 1.6%.
Should you choose Lafayette College 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 Lafayette College 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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