Head-to-Head Comparison
The University of Texas at Austin vs University of Central Florida
- Texas Austin Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 11
- Central Florida Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Central Florida offers a significantly safer investment tier. While The University of Texas at Austin achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 77%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $19,857 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.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Texas Austin
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment, 29% more than University of Central Florida
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 27% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Central Florida
- Lower cost: Average net price of $10,411, roughly $9,446 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,190, the lower of the two
- 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?
Texas Austin graduates concentrate in Engineering (10% 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 The University of Texas at Austin over University of Central Florida. Median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment vs $58,308.
Pick University of Central Florida over The University of Texas at Austin. Net price $10,411 vs $19,857.
Pick University of Central Florida over The University of Texas at Austin. 2.6% mobility rate vs 2.2%.
Pick The University of Texas at Austin 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
The University of Texas at Austin 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
The University of Texas at Austin is the harder admit. It takes 27% of applicants, while University of Central Florida takes 40%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,395 to 1,269.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, The University of Texas at Austin 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 $9,446 a year below The University of Texas at Austin's $19,857. Graduates of University of Central Florida also borrow less: median debt of $18,190, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $37,784 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, The University of Texas at Austin graduates report median earnings of $75,121, compared with $58,308 at University of Central Florida. That is a 29% advantage. Set against borrowing, The University of Texas at Austin has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.27x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 29% 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
The University of Texas at Austin 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
University of Central Florida does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.6%; at The University of Texas at Austin, it is 2.2%. University of Central Florida also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5%.
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 The University of Texas at Austin 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 $9,446 a year, yet The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn $16,813 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
The University of Texas at Austin is harder to get into, with a 27% 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. The University of Texas at Austin concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, 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 $19,857 runs well above University of Central Florida's $10,411.
- Business and consulting-track students: The University of Texas at Austin has less business program depth, and University of Central Florida offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: The University of Texas at Austin has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Texas Austin holds onto its admits more tightly: 47% of admitted students enroll, versus 30% at Central Florida — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Central Florida offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Texas Austin 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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public
The University of Texas at Austin is home to over 42,000 students who are drawn to its strong programs in fields like Biology, Engineering, Business, Communications, and Computer Science. With an acceptance rate of 27%, it’s a competitive environment that suits those ready to engage deeply in their studies and campus life. The vibrant city of Austin enhances this experience, offering a unique blend of cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities that appeal to students looking for both academic and personal growth.
After graduation, students can expect solid earning potential, with a median salary of around $75,121 ten years post-degree. This financial outcome reflects the value of the education received here and the demand for graduates in the job market. The affordability factor is significant as well; even with a net price of $19,857, many students find support through financial aid, helping to ease the transition into the workforce.
When it comes to the practical aspects of attending UT Austin, students typically graduate with a median debt of $20,500. This manageable debt level, combined with the strong earning potential, makes the financial landscape here more accessible. Students who tend to thrive at UT Austin are those who embrace the challenges and opportunities of a large public university, taking advantage of the resources available while actively participating in the diverse and dynamic community.
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
The University of Texas at Austin is featured on the Best Communications Colleges in Texas ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Texas Austin's top program is Mechanical Engineering (10% 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 Texas Austin) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Central Florida).
The two schools feed different job markets. The University of Texas at Austin is strongest in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, 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.
Texas Austin
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into The University of Texas at Austin or University of Central Florida?
The University of Texas at Austin is harder to get into, admitting 27% of applicants compared with 40% at University of Central Florida.
Which is more affordable, The University of Texas at Austin or University of Central Florida?
University of Central Florida is more affordable, with an average net price of $10,411 after aid versus $19,857 at The University of Texas at Austin.
Do The University of Texas at Austin or University of Central Florida graduates earn more?
The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn more: median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment, versus $58,308 at University of Central Florida.
Which has a better graduation rate, The University of Texas at Austin or University of Central Florida?
The University of Texas at Austin has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 77%.
The University of Texas at Austin 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 2.2%.
Should you choose The University of Texas at Austin 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 The University of Texas at Austin 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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