University of Central Florida vs University of Tampa: A Data-Driven Comparison
Admission Difficulty: Tampa proves more selective with a 26.35% acceptance rate compared to UCF's 41.04%, making UCF moderately easier to enter.
Cost and Value: UCF offers significant financial advantages. In-state students pay just $6,368 annually versus Tampa's $33,424 flat rate. UCF's average net price of $10,650 is substantially lower than Tampa's $35,634. UCF graduates carry less debt ($18,190 vs $24,211) while earning comparable salaries after 10 years ($58,308 vs $59,436).
Academic Strengths: UCF operates as a large research university with 59,095 students, offering extensive program variety and resources. Tampa provides a smaller environment with 10,093 students and a more favorable 17:1 student-faculty ratio compared to UCF's 29:1, enabling closer professor relationships.
Campus Experience: UCF's massive scale provides big-university amenities, NCAA Division I athletics, and diverse opportunities in Orlando. Tampa offers an intimate campus experience with smaller class sizes, NCAA Division II sports, and a historic downtown location.
Outcomes: UCF demonstrates stronger institutional metrics with a 75.10% six-year graduation rate and 92.16% retention rate, significantly outperforming Tampa's 61.90% graduation rate and 80.09% retention rate.
Cost-conscious students seeking research opportunities and big-campus energy will find UCF appealing, while students prioritizing small classes, personal attention, and intimate campus culture should consider Tampa despite the higher cost.
Admission Difficulty: Tampa proves more selective with a 26.35% acceptance rate compared to UCF's 41.04%, making UCF moderately easier to enter.
Cost and Value: UCF offers significant financial advantages. In-state students pay just $6,368 annually versus Tampa's $33,424 flat rate. UCF's average net price of $10,650 is substantially lower than Tampa's $35,634. UCF graduates carry less debt ($18,190 vs $24,211) while earning comparable salaries after 10 years ($58,308 vs $59,436).
Academic Strengths: UCF operates as a large research university with 59,095 students, offering extensive program variety and resources. Tampa provides a smaller environment with 10,093 students and a more favorable 17:1 student-faculty ratio compared to UCF's 29:1, enabling closer professor relationships.
Campus Experience: UCF's massive scale provides big-university amenities, NCAA Division I athletics, and diverse opportunities in Orlando. Tampa offers an intimate campus experience with smaller class sizes, NCAA Division II sports, and a historic downtown location.
Outcomes: UCF demonstrates stronger institutional metrics with a 75.10% six-year graduation rate and 92.16% retention rate, significantly outperforming Tampa's 61.90% graduation rate and 80.09% retention rate.
Cost-conscious students seeking research opportunities and big-campus energy will find UCF appealing, while students prioritizing small classes, personal attention, and intimate campus culture should consider Tampa despite the higher cost.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| University of Central Florida | The University of Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 41.0% | 26.4% |
| SAT Average | 1,280 | |
| Enrollment | 59,095 | 10,093 |
| In-State Tuition | $6,368 | $33,424 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,467 | $33,424 |
| Net Price | $10,650 | $35,634 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.1% | 61.9% |
| Retention Rate | 92.2% | 80.1% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $58,308 | $59,436 |
| Median Debt | $18,190 | $24,211 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| University of Central Florida | The University of Tampa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $63,817 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $56,825 |
| Computer Engineering. | $63,749 | Finance and Financial Management Services. | $49,579 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $61,516 | Accounting and Related Services. | $45,500 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | $59,485 | International Business. | $42,123 |
| Civil Engineering. | $58,092 | Economics. | $41,565 |