Choosing the right university is a critical decision in every student’s life. In this comparison, we will look at two well-known universities in Florida, the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Central Florida (UCF). We will examine and compare various aspects of these schools, including costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes, to help you make an informed decision about which institution best suits your needs and preferences.
USF Overview
The University of South Florida is a public research university located in Tampa, Florida. Founded in 1956, USF is the fourth-largest public university in the state of Florida. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in various fields, including arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, and health sciences.
USF Costs & Tuition
Tuition at USF varies for in-state and out-of-state students. For in-state students, the tuition and fees are approximately $6,410 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $17,324 per year. Additional expenses like housing, meals, books, and transportation can add to the total cost of attendance.
USF Admissions
Admissions at USF are considered moderately competitive. The university has an acceptance rate of around 43%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1210 and 1310, while the average ACT score is between 27 and 31.
USF Degrees Offered
USF offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its various colleges. Some of the popular majors at USF include Health Professions, Business, Management, Engineering, and Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
USF Academics
USF is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of health, business, and engineering. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 22:1, which allows for personalized attention and support for students. In addition, USF is a research-intensive institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research projects alongside faculty members.
USF Diversity
USF is a diverse and inclusive institution, with students representing various ethnicities, backgrounds, and nationalities. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that values the unique perspectives and contributions of all students.
USF Students
USF has a total enrollment of around 50,000 students, including approximately 37,000 undergraduate students and 13,000 graduate students. The student body is diverse, with students from all 50 states and over 140 countries.
USF Campus
The USF campus covers 1,913 acres in Tampa, Florida. The campus is home to various modern facilities that cater to the academic, research, and recreational needs of the students. These include state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, libraries, sports facilities, and dining options.
USF Alumni
USF has a strong alumni network, with over 300,000 alumni worldwide. Many graduates have gone on to have successful careers in various fields, including business, healthcare, education, and public service.
USF Rankings
USF is consistently ranked among the top national universities in the United States. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, USF is ranked #103 in National Universities and #46 in Top Public Schools.
USF Outcomes
Students who graduate from USF can expect strong employment outcomes and competitive salaries. According to the university’s website, 92% of its graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for USF graduates is around $42,000.
UCF Overview
The University of Central Florida is a public research university located in Orlando, Florida. Established in 1963, UCF is the largest university in the United States by enrollment, with a total of over 71,000 students. The university offers more than 230 degree programs across its 13 colleges, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in various fields like arts and humanities, business, education, engineering, and health sciences.
UCF Costs & Tuition
Tuition at UCF is also dependent on residency status. In-state students can expect to pay around $6,368 per year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay approximately $22,467 per year. As with USF, additional expenses such as housing, meals, books, and transportation should be considered when estimating the total cost of attendance.
UCF Admissions
Admissions at UCF are also considered moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 44%. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. The average SAT score for admitted students at UCF ranges from 1210 to 1340, while the average ACT score is between 26 and 30.
UCF Degrees Offered
UCF offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its colleges. Popular majors at UCF include Business, Management, Marketing, Engineering, and Health Professions.
UCF Academics
UCF is known for its strong academic programs, especially in the areas of engineering, computer science, and business. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 30:1, which is slightly higher than USF’s ratio. UCF also emphasizes research and innovation, providing students with numerous opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty members.
UCF Diversity
UCF boasts a diverse student body, with students from various ethnicities, backgrounds, and nationalities. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that values and respects the unique contributions of all students.
UCF Students
UCF has a total enrollment of over 71,000 students, including around 59,000 undergraduate students and 12,000 graduate students. The student body is diverse, with representation from all 50 states and over 150 countries.
UCF Campus
UCF’s campus spans 1,415 acres in Orlando, Florida. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, libraries, sports facilities, and dining options, to support the academic, research, and recreational needs of its students.
UCF Alumni
UCF has an extensive alumni network, with over 320,000 alumni worldwide. Graduates have gone on to have successful careers in various industries, including business, healthcare, education, and public service.
UCF Rankings
UCF is consistently ranked among the top national universities in the United States. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UCF is ranked #160 in National Universities and #79 in Top Public Schools.
UCF Outcomes
Students who graduate from UCF can also expect strong employment outcomes and competitive starting salaries. According to the university’s website, 93% of its graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for UCF graduates is around $43,000.
USF vs UCF Cost Comparison
When comparing costs between USF and UCF, in-state tuition and fees are relatively similar, with USF at approximately $6,410 per year and UCF at around $6,368 per year. However, for out-of-state students, USF has a lower tuition rate, with students paying around $17,324 per year compared to UCF’s $22,467 per year. Students should also consider additional expenses, such as housing, meals, books, and transportation, which can vary depending on personal preferences and needs.
USF vs UCF Admissions Difficulty
Both USF and UCF have comparable acceptance rates, with USF at 43% and UCF at 44%, indicating that both universities have a moderate level of admissions difficulty. The average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students are also similar between the two schools, with USF’s average SAT score range of 1210-1310 and ACT range of 27-31, and UCF’s average SAT score range of 1210-1340 and ACT range of 26-30.
USF vs UCF Academic Difficulty
While both USF and UCF are known for their strong academic programs, it is essential to consider individual preferences and needs when evaluating the academic difficulty of each institution. USF has a lower student-to-faculty ratio of 22:1, which may provide more personalized attention and support for students compared to UCF’s 30:1 ratio. In terms of research opportunities, both universities emphasize research and innovation, but students should explore specific programs and opportunities at each school to determine which best aligns with their interests and goals.
USF vs UCF Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both USF and UCF can expect strong employment outcomes and competitive starting salaries. USF reports that 92% of its graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of around $42,000. UCF has a slightly higher reported rate of 93% of graduates employed or in further education within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of around $43,000.
In conclusion, USF and UCF are both reputable institutions with strong academic programs, diverse student bodies, and solid post-graduation outcomes. Prospective students should carefully consider factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, academic offerings, campus life, and outcomes to determine which university best aligns with their personal and educational goals.
