Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Central Florida vs University of Notre Dame
- Central Florida Wins
- 26
- Tied
- 11
- Notre Dame Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Central Florida offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Notre Dame achieves a higher graduation rate (96% vs 77%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $26,780 compared to University of Central Florida's $10,411. 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
Central Florida
- Lower cost: Average net price of $10,411, roughly $16,369 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
Notre Dame
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment, 71% more than University of Central Florida
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 11% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Central Florida graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (14% of degrees); Notre Dame in Business & Marketing (27%). 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 University of Notre Dame over University of Central Florida. Median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment vs $58,308.
Pick University of Central Florida over University of Notre Dame. Net price $10,411 vs $26,780.
Pick University of Central Florida over University of Notre Dame. 2.6% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick University of Notre Dame over University of Central Florida. 96% completion rate vs 77%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Central Florida and University of Notre Dame 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 Notre Dame is the harder admit. It takes 11% of applicants, while University of Central Florida takes 40%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,269 to 1,520.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Notre Dame 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 $16,369 a year below University of Notre Dame's $26,780. Graduates of University of Central Florida also borrow less: median debt of $18,190, against $19,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $65,476 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, University of Notre Dame graduates report median earnings of $99,980, compared with $58,308 at University of Central Florida. That is a 71% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Notre Dame has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 71% 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
University of Notre Dame graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 77%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 19% 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 University of Notre Dame, it is 0.9%. University of Central Florida also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.4%.
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 University of Notre Dame 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 $16,369 a year, yet University of Notre Dame graduates earn $41,672 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 Notre Dame is harder to get into, with a 11% 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. University of Central Florida concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, Psychology, while University of Notre Dame leans toward Engineering, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: University of Notre Dame has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Central Florida's enrollment of 59,146 far exceeds University of Notre Dame's 8,818.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $26,780 runs well above University of Central Florida's $10,411.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Notre Dame holds onto its admits more tightly: 64% 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; Notre Dame 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
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.
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit
The University of Notre Dame has an impressive graduation rate of 96%. This means that the vast majority of students who start their studies here complete their degrees on time. Such a high rate indicates strong student support and academic rigor.
According to the Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility outcomes for Notre Dame students are not available. However, the strong graduation rate and high earnings after ten years suggest that graduates from this institution tend to secure stable, well-paying jobs. The average earnings for alumni reach $99,980, reflecting the quality of education and career preparation they receive.
Prospective students should consider the financial aspects as well. The net price for attending Notre Dame is $26,780, with a median debt of $19,000 after graduation. While the Pell Grant rate is 14%, students who thrive here often pursue majors in Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Biology, and Computer Science, aligning their education with strong job markets.
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 14% of Central Florida's student body and 27% of Notre Dame's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Central Florida) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Notre Dame).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Central Florida is strongest in Health Professions, Psychology, Visual & Performing Arts, while University of Notre Dame concentrates in Engineering, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical. 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.
Central Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of Central Florida or University of Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 40% at University of Central Florida.
Which is more affordable, University of Central Florida or University of Notre Dame?
University of Central Florida is more affordable, with an average net price of $10,411 after aid versus $26,780 at University of Notre Dame.
Do University of Central Florida or University of Notre Dame graduates earn more?
University of Notre Dame graduates earn more: median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment, versus $58,308 at University of Central Florida.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Central Florida or University of Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 77%.
University of Central Florida vs University of Notre Dame: 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 0.9%.
Should you choose University of Central Florida or University of Notre Dame?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Central Florida if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Notre Dame 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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