Florida State University vs University of Central Florida: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Florida State University and University of Central Florida, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Florida State University vs University of Central Florida at a glance
Florida State University admits 24.2% of applicants and University of Central Florida 40.1% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $8,605 at Florida State University and $11,516 at University of Central Florida. Six-year graduation rates are 85.8% and 77.9%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Florida State University admits 24.2% of applicants and University of Central Florida 40.1%, so Florida State University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $8,605 a year at Florida State University and $11,516 at University of Central Florida; Florida State University costs $2,911 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $4,332 at Florida State University and $7,870 at University of Central Florida.
- 85.8% of students graduate within six years at Florida State University, against 77.9% at University of Central Florida.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $68,225 for Florida State University and $63,483 for University of Central Florida; Florida State University is $4,742 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $13,000 at Florida State University and $17,065 at University of Central Florida.
- Florida State University enrolls 32,212 students (midsize city) and University of Central Florida 59,146 (large suburb).
Side by side
Florida State University and University of Central Florida in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Florida State University | University of Central Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 24.2% | 40.1% |
| Applicants | 65,235 | 48,929 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1270–1410 | 1200–1350 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–32 | 25–29 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $8,605 | $11,516 |
| Tuition, in state | $5,656 | $6,368 |
| Tuition, out of state | $20,116 | $24,076 |
| Cost of attendance | $25,144 | $24,965 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $4,332 | $7,870 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $4,290 | $7,841 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $6,953 | $9,881 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $11,367 | $13,858 |
| Over $110,000 | $17,085 | $19,416 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 85.8% | 77.9% |
| First-year retention | 96.1% | 92.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $68,225 | $63,483 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $13,000 | $17,065 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $148 | $194 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 32,212 | 59,146 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Tallahassee, FL | Orlando, FL |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Florida State University reports 78 bachelor's programs and University of Central Florida 70; 49 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Political Science and Government
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Questions about Florida State University vs University of Central Florida
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Florida State University or University of Central Florida?
Florida State University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Florida State University admits 24.2% of applicants and University of Central Florida admits 40.1%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Florida State University 1270–1410; University of Central Florida 1200–1350.
Which is cheaper, Florida State University or University of Central Florida?
Florida State University has the lower average net price after grants: $8,605 a year at Florida State University against $11,516 at University of Central Florida. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $4,332 and $7,870. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Florida State University or University of Central Florida graduates earn more?
Florida State University graduates earn more at the median: $68,225 ten years after entry for Florida State University and $63,483 for University of Central Florida. Median federal debt at graduation is $13,000 and $17,065.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Florida State University or University of Central Florida?
Florida State University does: 85.8% of Florida State University students graduate within six years, against 77.9% at University of Central Florida.
How big are Florida State University and University of Central Florida?
Florida State University has 32,212 students in Tallahassee, FL and University of Central Florida has 59,146 students in Orlando, FL.