Head-to-Head Comparison
Stevens Institute of Technology vs University of Central Florida
- Stevens Technology Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 7
- Central Florida Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Central Florida offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Stevens Institute of Technology achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 77%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $41,346 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
Stevens Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, 87% more than University of Central Florida
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4.3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Central Florida
- Lower cost: Average net price of $10,411, roughly $30,935 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?
Stevens Technology graduates concentrate in Engineering (45% 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 Stevens Institute of Technology over University of Central Florida. Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment vs $58,308.
Pick University of Central Florida over Stevens Institute of Technology. Net price $10,411 vs $41,346.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over University of Central Florida. 4.3% mobility rate vs 2.6%.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology 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
Stevens Institute of Technology 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 Stevens Institute of Technology takes 48%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,446 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 $30,935 a year below Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346. Graduates of University of Central Florida also borrow less: median debt of $18,190, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $123,740 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, Stevens Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $108,772, compared with $58,308 at University of Central Florida. That is a 87% advantage. Set against borrowing, Stevens Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 87% 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
Stevens Institute of Technology 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 12% 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
Stevens Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4.3%; at University of Central Florida, it is 2.6%. University of Central Florida also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 6.9%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Stevens Institute of Technology 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 Stevens Institute of Technology 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 $30,935 a year, yet Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn $50,464 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 Stevens Institute of Technology posts the higher mobility rate, at 4.3%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Stevens Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, 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 $41,346 runs well above University of Central Florida's $10,411.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $18,190 at University of Central Florida.
- Business and consulting-track students: Stevens Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and University of Central Florida offers the stronger options.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Central Florida's enrollment, and Stevens Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Central Florida's enrollment of 59,146 far exceeds Stevens Institute of Technology's 4,222.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Central Florida holds onto its admits more tightly: 30% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Stevens Technology — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Central Florida offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Stevens Technology 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
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, is a great fit for students who are driven by a passion for technology and innovation. With 4,222 enrolled students and an acceptance rate of 48%, it attracts individuals looking for a solid education in fields like Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and the Arts. One standout aspect is the school's high graduation rate of 88%, which speaks volumes about student support and engagement throughout their academic journey.
After graduation, students from Stevens can expect impressive earning potential, with an average salary of $108,772 within ten years of completing their degree. This financial success reflects the value of a degree from Stevens, especially in high-demand areas like engineering and tech. The cost of attendance can be manageable, particularly when considering the school’s financial aid options, though it's important to weigh the net price against potential earnings.
When looking at the practical aspects of attending Stevens, the net price after aid stands at $41,346, which means students should prepare for a significant investment. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $27,000. The environment here tends to be ideal for those who are eager to engage with their studies and are committed to making the most of their college experience. This is a community that thrives on ambition and collaboration, setting students up for success both during and after their time at Stevens.
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
Stevens Technology's top program is Mechanical Engineering (45% of enrollment), while Central Florida leads with Business Administration (14%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Stevens Technology) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Central Florida).
The two schools feed different job markets. Stevens Institute of Technology is strongest in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, 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.
Stevens Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Stevens Institute of Technology or University of Central Florida?
University of Central Florida is harder to get into, admitting 40% of applicants compared with 48% at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Stevens Institute of Technology or University of Central Florida?
University of Central Florida is more affordable, with an average net price of $10,411 after aid versus $41,346 at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Do Stevens Institute of Technology or University of Central Florida graduates earn more?
Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, versus $58,308 at University of Central Florida.
Which has a better graduation rate, Stevens Institute of Technology or University of Central Florida?
Stevens Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 77%.
Stevens Institute of Technology vs University of Central Florida: which is better for social mobility?
Stevens Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4.3% versus 2.6%.
Should you choose Stevens Institute of Technology 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 Stevens Institute of Technology 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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