Choosing the right university can be a challenging and life-changing decision. In this article, we will be comparing two major universities, the University of Central Florida (UCF) and Kennesaw State University (KSU). We will provide an overview of each school, discussing their costs and tuition, admissions process, degree offerings, academics, diversity, student life, campus life, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of each school and be able to make a more informed decision about which university is the right fit for you.
UCF Overview
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public research university located in Orlando, Florida. Founded in 1963, UCF has grown to become one of the largest universities in the United States, with a total enrollment of over 72,000 students. The university offers more than 220 degree programs across 13 colleges, including highly regarded programs in engineering, computer science, and business.
UCF Costs & Tuition
The cost of attendance at UCF varies depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for in-state students are $6,380, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $22,620. Additional expenses, such as housing, books, and transportation, should also be considered when calculating the total cost of attendance.
UCF Admissions
The admissions process at UCF is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 45% in recent years. To apply, students must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. The university also considers factors such as extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership experience when making admissions decisions.
UCF Degrees Offered
UCF offers a wide range of degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Some of the most popular majors at UCF include business, engineering, health professions, computer and information sciences, and social sciences. The university also offers a number of online degree programs for students who require more flexibility in their schedules.
UCF Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 30:1, UCF provides numerous opportunities for students to engage with their professors and classmates. The university has a strong focus on research, with more than $200 million in research funding awarded annually. Students at UCF have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy and the Institute for Simulation and Training.
UCF Diversity
UCF is a diverse and inclusive campus, with students from all 50 states and over 150 countries. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion through various initiatives and programs, including the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, multicultural and gender resource centers, and cultural and affinity organizations.
UCF Students
UCF has a vibrant student life, with more than 650 student organizations and clubs catering to a wide range of interests. The campus is also home to Greek life, with numerous fraternities and sororities offering students opportunities for leadership, philanthropy, and social engagement.
UCF Campus
The UCF campus spans more than 1,400 acres and features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and recreational facilities. The campus is located just 13 miles from downtown Orlando, providing students with access to internships, job opportunities, and a vibrant entertainment scene.
UCF Alumni
UCF boasts a strong alumni network of over 330,000 individuals, many of whom have gone on to achieve success in their respective fields. Notable alumni include Cheryl Hines, an actress and director, and Eduardo Saverin, co-founder of Facebook.
UCF Rankings
UCF consistently ranks highly in various national and international rankings. In 2021, the university was ranked #80 in the Best National Universities category by U.S. News & World Report. UCF has also been recognized for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, and online education.
UCF Outcomes
UCF has a strong focus on student success, with a six-year graduation rate of 73% and a first-year retention rate of 89%. The university’s Career Services department helps students find internships, job opportunities, and networking events to support their professional development.
KSU Overview
Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a public university located in Kennesaw, Georgia. Founded in 1963, KSU has grown to become the third-largest university in Georgia, with a total enrollment of over 41,000 students. The university offers more than 150 degree programs across 11 colleges, including well-regarded programs in business, engineering, and education.
KSU Costs & Tuition
The cost of attendance at KSU varies depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for in-state students are $7,326, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $21,086. Additional expenses, such as housing, books, and transportation, should also be considered when calculating the total cost of attendance.
KSU Admissions
The admissions process at KSU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 57% in recent years. To apply, students must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. The university also considers factors such as extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership experience when making admissions decisions.
KSU Degrees Offered
KSU offers a wide range of degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Some of the most popular majors at KSU include business, engineering, health professions, computer and information sciences, and education. The university also offers a number of online degree programs for students who require more flexibility in their schedules.
KSU Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1, KSU provides numerous opportunities for students to engage with their professors and classmates. The university has a strong focus on research, with more than $50 million in research funding awarded annually. Students at KSU have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including the A.L. Burruss Institute of Public Service and Research and the Center for Sustainable Journalism.
KSU Diversity
KSU is a diverse and inclusive campus, with students from all 50 states and over 150 countries. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion through various initiatives and programs, including the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, multicultural and gender resource centers, and cultural and affinity organizations.
KSU Students
KSU has a vibrant student life, with more than 300 student organizations and clubs catering to a wide range of interests. The campus is also home to Greek life, with numerous fraternities and sororities offering students opportunities for leadership, philanthropy, and social engagement.
KSU Campus
The KSU campus spans more than 600 acres and features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and recreational facilities. The campus is located just 22 miles from downtown Atlanta, providing students with access to internships, job opportunities, and a vibrant entertainment scene.
KSU Alumni
KSU boasts a strong alumni network of over 100,000 individuals, many of whom have gone on to achieve success in their respective fields. Notable alumni include Brian Baumgartner, an actor best known for his role on The Office, and Shante Das, a music industry executive and entrepreneur.
KSU Rankings
KSU consistently ranks highly in various national and international rankings. In 2021, the university was ranked #298-#389 in the Best National Universities category by U.S. News & World Report. KSU has also been recognized for its strong programs in business, engineering, and online education.
KSU Outcomes
KSU has a strong focus on student success, with a six-year graduation rate of 43% and a first-year retention rate of 80%. The university’s Career Services department helps students find internships, job opportunities, and networking events to support their professional development.
UCF vs KSU Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending UCF and KSU, there are some notable differences. For in-state students, UCF is slightly more affordable, with tuition and fees estimated at $6,380, compared to KSU’s $7,326. However, for out-of-state students, the difference is more significant, with UCF’s tuition and fees estimated at $22,620, compared to KSU’s $21,086. It’s essential to consider additional expenses, such as housing, books, and transportation, when comparing the total cost of attendance at each university.
UCF vs KSU Admissions Difficulty
Both UCF and KSU have moderately competitive admissions processes, with UCF having a slightly lower acceptance rate at around 45% compared to KSU’s 57%. Both universities consider factors such as high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, personal essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership experience when making admissions decisions.
UCF vs KSU Academic Difficulty
The academic difficulty at both UCF and KSU is comparable, with both universities offering rigorous degree programs and a strong focus on research. UCF has a slightly larger student population and a higher student-to-faculty ratio (30:1) compared to KSU (21:1), which may impact class sizes and the level of personal attention each student receives.
UCF vs KSU Outcome Comparison
In terms of outcomes, UCF has a higher six-year graduation rate (73%) and first-year retention rate (89%) compared to KSU (43% and 80%, respectively). This suggests that UCF may provide more resources and support for students to achieve academic and professional success. Both universities offer extensive career services to help students find internships, job opportunities, and networking events to support their professional development.
