Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Central Florida vs University of Portland
- Central Florida Wins
- 26
- Tied
- 9
- Portland Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Central Florida offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Portland achieves a higher graduation rate (80% vs 77%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $28,210 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.
48 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 $17,799 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
- More selective: Admits 40% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Portland
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,804 ten years after enrollment, 42% more than University of Central Florida
- Higher grad rate: 80% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Central Florida graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (14% of degrees); Portland in Health Professions (29%). 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 Portland over University of Central Florida. Median earnings of $82,804 ten years after enrollment vs $58,308.
Pick University of Central Florida over University of Portland. Net price $10,411 vs $28,210.
Pick University of Central Florida over University of Portland. 2.6% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick University of Portland over University of Central Florida. 80% 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 Portland are close on paper, but University of Central Florida 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
University of Central Florida is the harder admit. It takes 40% of applicants, while University of Portland takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,269 to 1,277.
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 $17,799 a year below University of Portland's $28,210. Graduates of University of Central Florida also borrow less: median debt of $18,190, against $21,370.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $71,196 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 Portland graduates report median earnings of $82,804, compared with $58,308 at University of Central Florida. That is a 42% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Portland has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 42% 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 Portland graduates a larger share of its students, 80% 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
University of Central Florida does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.6%; at University of Portland, 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 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 University of Portland 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 $17,799 a year, yet University of Portland graduates earn $24,496 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. University of Central Florida concentrates enrollment in Psychology, while University of Portland leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Central Florida's enrollment of 59,146 far exceeds University of Portland's 2,957.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $28,210 runs well above University of Central Florida's $10,411.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,370, against $18,190 at University of Central Florida.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Central Florida offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Portland does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Portland, where only about 9% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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
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 Portland
Portland, OR · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of just under 3,000 students, the University of Portland is a great fit for those seeking a close-knit community while still accessing solid academic programs. Students here often dive into popular fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and Psychology. An acceptance rate of 89% indicates that the university welcomes a diverse range of applicants, making it an appealing option for many.
After graduation, students can expect to earn about $82,804 within ten years, which can be quite encouraging when considering job prospects. This earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. While nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, the supportive environment helps many move up in their careers, even if specific mobility rates aren’t available.
When it comes to the financials, the net price after aid sits at $28,210, which can be manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $21,370, suggesting that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of student loans. Those who thrive here are often proactive, engaged, and looking for a collaborative atmosphere that values both academic and personal growth.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Central Florida is featured on the Best Education Colleges in Florida ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Central Florida's top program is Business Administration (14% of enrollment), while Portland leads with Nursing (BSN) (29%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Central Florida) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Portland).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Central Florida is strongest in Psychology, Visual & Performing Arts, while University of Portland concentrates in Engineering, 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 Portland?
University of Central Florida is harder to get into, admitting 40% of applicants compared with 89% at University of Portland.
Which is more affordable, University of Central Florida or University of Portland?
University of Central Florida is more affordable, with an average net price of $10,411 after aid versus $28,210 at University of Portland.
Do University of Central Florida or University of Portland graduates earn more?
University of Portland graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,804 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 Portland?
University of Portland has the higher graduation rate, 80% versus 77%.
University of Central Florida vs University of Portland: 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 Portland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Central Florida if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Portland 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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