University of Central Florida vs Ave Maria University
These Florida universities offer vastly different educational experiences. UCF accepts 41% of applicants while Ave Maria accepts 44%, making admission competitiveness similar despite their size difference.
Cost and Value
UCF provides significant savings with in-state tuition at $6,368 versus Ave Maria's flat $28,222. Even out-of-state UCF students pay $22,467. UCF's average net price of $10,650 is less than half of Ave Maria's $23,655. UCF graduates earn a median $58,308 ten years post-graduation compared to Ave Maria's $49,520, while carrying slightly less debt ($18,190 vs $20,776).
Academic Environment
The schools differ dramatically in scale and attention. UCF enrolls 59,095 students with a 29:1 student-faculty ratio, while Ave Maria serves 1,229 students with a 12:1 ratio. UCF's 92% retention rate surpasses Ave Maria's 75%, and UCF's 75% six-year graduation rate significantly exceeds Ave Maria's 55%.
Campus Experience
UCF operates as a large research university in Orlando with NCAA Division I athletics and extensive resources. Ave Maria functions as a small Catholic liberal arts college in a planned community, competing in NJCAA athletics and emphasizing faith-based education.
Student Fit
UCF suits students seeking a comprehensive university experience with strong career outcomes, research opportunities, and lower costs, while Ave Maria fits students prioritizing small classes, Catholic values, and close faculty relationships despite higher costs and lower graduation rates.
These Florida universities offer vastly different educational experiences. UCF accepts 41% of applicants while Ave Maria accepts 44%, making admission competitiveness similar despite their size difference.
Cost and Value
UCF provides significant savings with in-state tuition at $6,368 versus Ave Maria's flat $28,222. Even out-of-state UCF students pay $22,467. UCF's average net price of $10,650 is less than half of Ave Maria's $23,655. UCF graduates earn a median $58,308 ten years post-graduation compared to Ave Maria's $49,520, while carrying slightly less debt ($18,190 vs $20,776).
Academic Environment
The schools differ dramatically in scale and attention. UCF enrolls 59,095 students with a 29:1 student-faculty ratio, while Ave Maria serves 1,229 students with a 12:1 ratio. UCF's 92% retention rate surpasses Ave Maria's 75%, and UCF's 75% six-year graduation rate significantly exceeds Ave Maria's 55%.
Campus Experience
UCF operates as a large research university in Orlando with NCAA Division I athletics and extensive resources. Ave Maria functions as a small Catholic liberal arts college in a planned community, competing in NJCAA athletics and emphasizing faith-based education.
Student Fit
UCF suits students seeking a comprehensive university experience with strong career outcomes, research opportunities, and lower costs, while Ave Maria fits students prioritizing small classes, Catholic values, and close faculty relationships despite higher costs and lower graduation rates.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| University of Central Florida | Ave Maria University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 41.0% | 44.2% |
| SAT Average | 1,280 | |
| Enrollment | 59,095 | 1,229 |
| In-State Tuition | $6,368 | $28,222 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,467 | $28,222 |
| Net Price | $10,650 | $23,655 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.1% | 55.5% |
| Retention Rate | 92.2% | 75.0% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $58,308 | $49,520 |
| Median Debt | $18,190 | $20,776 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| University of Central Florida | Ave Maria University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $63,817 | Economics. | $48,041 |
| Computer Engineering. | $63,749 | Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $33,993 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $61,516 | Psychology, General. | $30,988 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | $59,485 | Biology, General. | $29,250 |
| Civil Engineering. | $58,092 | Theological and Ministerial Studies. | $28,598 |