In this article, we will explore and compare two well-known schools in Florida: Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and the University of Central Florida (UCF). We will provide an in-depth analysis of each school, covering aspects such as costs, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. Subsequently, we will compare both universities in terms of cost, admissions difficulty, academic difficulty, and outcome comparison.
FAU Overview
Florida Atlantic University, founded in 1961, is a public university located in Boca Raton, Florida. It is part of the State University System of Florida and is classified as an R2: Doctoral University – High Research Activity. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various colleges and schools. With a diverse student population and a focus on innovation, FAU is committed to providing a high-quality education for its students.
FAU Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for in-state undergraduate students at FAU is $21,473 per year, which includes tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Out-of-state undergraduate students can expect to pay approximately $34,828 per year. Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to help eligible students offset the cost of attendance.
FAU Admissions
FAU has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of approximately 63%. Prospective students are encouraged to submit their applications, official high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal essay. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1100 and 1250, while the average ACT score is between 22 and 27.
FAU Degrees Offered
FAU offers over 170 degree programs across 10 colleges, including arts and letters, business, education, engineering and computer science, health and human services, honors, medicine, nursing, science, and social work. Students can choose from a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, as well as online and distance learning options.
FAU Academics
FAU is known for its commitment to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes focusing on areas such as ocean engineering, neuroscience, and environmental science. The university also offers strong programs in business, engineering, nursing, and education. FAU provides students with numerous opportunities for hands-on learning and real-world experiences through internships, study abroad programs, and community engagement initiatives.
FAU Diversity
With a diverse student population representing over 140 countries, FAU is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. The university offers numerous resources and programs to support diversity and inclusion, including multicultural student organizations, cultural events, and specialized academic support services.
FAU Students
FAU has a total enrollment of over 30,000 students, including 25,000 undergraduate and 5,000 graduate students. The university offers a vibrant campus life with numerous clubs, organizations, and events for students to participate in. FAU also has a strong athletic program, with its teams competing in the NCAA Division I Conference USA.
FAU Campus
FAU’s main campus is located in Boca Raton, Florida, and spans over 850 acres. The university also operates several satellite campuses throughout South Florida, including in Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Jupiter, and Port St. Lucie. FAU’s campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, libraries, and recreational spaces.
FAU Alumni
FAU has a strong alumni network of over 180,000 graduates, many of whom have gone on to achieve success in various fields such as business, education, healthcare, and public service. Notable alumni include astronaut Steven Swanson, U.S. Representative Lois Frankel, and professional football player Trey Hendrickson.
FAU Rankings
FAU is ranked #298-#389 in National Universities in the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. The university is also ranked #122 in Top Performers on Social Mobility and #140 in Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs.
FAU Outcomes
FAU boasts a strong record of student success, with a four-year graduation rate of 32% and a six-year graduation rate of 52%. The average starting salary for FAU graduates is around $41,000 per year.
UCF Overview
The University of Central Florida, founded in 1963, is a public research university located in Orlando, Florida. It is the largest university by enrollment in Florida and one of the largest in the United States, with over 71,000 students. UCF is a member of the State University System of Florida and is classified as an R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its 13 colleges.
UCF Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for in-state undergraduate students at UCF is $22,467 per year, which includes tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Out-of-state undergraduate students can expect to pay approximately $38,817 per year. Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to help eligible students offset the cost of attendance.
UCF Admissions
UCF has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of approximately 45%. Prospective students are encouraged to submit their applications, official high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal essay. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1230 and 1390, while the average ACT score is between 26 and 31.
UCF Degrees Offered
UCF offers over 230 degree programs across 13 colleges, including arts and humanities, business administration, community innovation and education, engineering and computer science, graduate studies, health professions and sciences, hospitality management, medicine, nursing, optics and photonics, sciences, and undergraduate studies. Students can choose from a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, as well as online and distance learning options.
UCF Academics
UCF is known for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, nursing, and hospitality management. The university is also home to numerous research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as simulation and training, energy and sustainability, and materials science. UCF provides students with numerous opportunities for hands-on learning and real-world experiences through internships, study abroad programs, and community engagement initiatives.
UCF Diversity
UCF is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus, with a diverse student population representing over 150 countries. The university offers numerous resources and programs to support diversity and inclusion, including multicultural student organizations, cultural events, and specialized academic support services.
UCF Students
UCF has a total enrollment of over 71,000 students, including 61,000 undergraduate and 10,000 graduate students. The university offers a vibrant campus life with numerous clubs, organizations, and events for students to participate in. UCF also has a strong athletic program, with its teams competing in the NCAA Division I American Athletic Conference.
UCF Campus
UCF’s main campus is located in Orlando, Florida, and spans over 1,400 acres. The university also operates several satellite campuses throughout Central Florida, including in Cocoa, Daytona Beach, and South Lake. UCF’s campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, libraries, and recreational spaces.
UCF Alumni
UCF has a strong alumni network of over 330,000 graduates, many of whom have gone on to achieve success in various fields such as business, education, healthcare, and public service. Notable alumni include astronaut Nicole Stott, U.S. Representative Stephanie Murphy, and professional football player Blake Bortles.
UCF Rankings
UCF is ranked #160 in National Universities in the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. The university is also ranked #16 in Most Innovative Schools and #87 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.
UCF Outcomes
UCF boasts a strong record of student success, with a four-year graduation rate of 44% and a six-year graduation rate of 73%. The average starting salary for UCF graduates is around $45,000 per year.
FAU vs UCF Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of attendance for in-state undergraduate students, UCF has a slightly higher cost at $22,467 per year, compared to FAU’s cost of $21,473 per year. For out-of-state undergraduate students, UCF’s cost of attendance is also higher at $38,817 per year, compared to FAU’s cost of $34,828 per year. Financial aid is available at both universities to help eligible students offset the cost of attendance.
FAU vs UCF Admissions Difficulty
UCF has a more selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of approximately 45%, compared to FAU’s acceptance rate of 63%. Additionally, the average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students at UCF are higher than those at FAU, indicating a more competitive admissions process at UCF.
FAU vs UCF Academic Difficulty
Both FAU and UCF offer strong academic programs and are classified as research universities, with FAU being an R2: Doctoral University – High Research Activity and UCF being an R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity. While the academic difficulty may vary depending on the specific program and major, both universities are known for their commitment to research, innovation, and providing a high-quality education for their students.
FAU vs UCF Outcome Comparison
UCF has a higher four-year graduation rate (44%) and six-year graduation rate (73%) compared to FAU, which has a four-year graduation rate of 32% and a six-year graduation rate of 52%. Additionally, the average starting salary for UCF graduates is slightly higher at $45,000 per year, compared to FAU graduates, who have an average starting salary of $41,000 per year.
