University of South Florida vs University of Central Florida: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of South Florida and University of Central Florida, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of South Florida vs University of Central Florida at a glance
University of South Florida admits 43.2% of applicants and University of Central Florida 40.1% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $8,648 at University of South Florida and $11,516 at University of Central Florida. Six-year graduation rates are 77.9% and 77.9%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of South Florida admits 43.2% of applicants and University of Central Florida 40.1%, so University of Central Florida is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $8,648 a year at University of South Florida and $11,516 at University of Central Florida; University of South Florida costs $2,868 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $5,565 at University of South Florida and $7,870 at University of Central Florida.
- 77.9% of students graduate within six years at University of South Florida, against 77.9% at University of Central Florida.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $63,660 for University of South Florida and $63,483 for University of Central Florida; University of South Florida is $177 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $16,250 at University of South Florida and $17,065 at University of Central Florida.
- University of South Florida enrolls 37,207 students (large city) and University of Central Florida 59,146 (large suburb).
Side by side
University of South Florida 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 | University of South Florida | University of Central Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 43.2% | 40.1% |
| Applicants | 50,352 | 48,929 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1130–1320 | 1200–1350 |
| ACT middle 50% | 24–29 | 25–29 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $8,648 | $11,516 |
| Tuition, in state | $6,410 | $6,368 |
| Tuition, out of state | $18,416 | $24,076 |
| Cost of attendance | $22,086 | $24,965 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $5,565 | $7,870 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $3,989 | $7,841 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $6,040 | $9,881 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $11,459 | $13,858 |
| Over $110,000 | $17,159 | $19,416 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 77.9% | 77.9% |
| First-year retention | 91.3% | 92.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $63,660 | $63,483 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $16,250 | $17,065 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $185 | $194 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 37,207 | 59,146 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Tampa, 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
University of South Florida reports 79 bachelor's programs and University of Central Florida 70; 51 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Psychology, General
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Biology, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business/Commerce, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Communication and Media Studies
Questions about University of South Florida vs University of Central Florida
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of South Florida or University of Central Florida?
University of Central Florida is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of South Florida admits 43.2% of applicants and University of Central Florida admits 40.1%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of South Florida 1130–1320; University of Central Florida 1200–1350.
Which is cheaper, University of South Florida or University of Central Florida?
University of South Florida has the lower average net price after grants: $8,648 a year at University of South Florida against $11,516 at University of Central Florida. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $5,565 and $7,870. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of South Florida or University of Central Florida graduates earn more?
University of South Florida graduates earn more at the median: $63,660 ten years after entry for University of South Florida and $63,483 for University of Central Florida. Median federal debt at graduation is $16,250 and $17,065.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of South Florida or University of Central Florida?
University of South Florida does: 77.9% of University of South Florida students graduate within six years, against 77.9% at University of Central Florida.
How big are University of South Florida and University of Central Florida?
University of South Florida has 37,207 students in Tampa, FL and University of Central Florida has 59,146 students in Orlando, FL.