When deciding on a college, it’s critical to weigh the pros and cons of each institution. In this article, we’ll be comparing the University of Central Florida (UCF) and The University of Tampa (UT) to help you make an informed decision. We’ll delve into their costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campuses, alumni, rankings, and outcomes.
UCF Overview
The University of Central Florida is a public research university located in Orlando, Florida. Established in 1963, UCF has grown into one of the largest universities in the United States, offering over 200 degree programs across 13 colleges. With a strong emphasis on innovation and research, UCF is known for its cutting-edge technology and robust STEM programs.
UCF Costs & Tuition
In-state undergraduate students at UCF pay an estimated $6,368 per year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay approximately $22,467 annually. Additionally, room and board costs around $10,300 per year. Financial aid options at UCF include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
UCF Admissions
UCF has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 44%. The average SAT score for accepted students ranges from 1200 to 1340, and the average ACT score is between 25 and 29. High school GPA also plays an important role in the admissions process, with the average admitted student having a 4.1 weighted GPA.
UCF Degrees Offered
UCF offers over 200 degree programs across its 13 colleges. Popular majors at UCF include business, engineering, health professions, social sciences, and psychology. The university also offers a variety of online degree programs, allowing students to complete their education remotely.
UCF Academics
UCF boasts a student-faculty ratio of 30:1, with an average class size of 39 students. The university has a four-year graduation rate of 42% and a six-year graduation rate of 73%. UCF is also known for its strong research programs, with over $200 million in annual research funding.
UCF Diversity
UCF has a diverse student body, with 45% of students identifying as ethnic minorities. Additionally, 58% of the student population is female, and 42% is male. The university also has a significant international student population, with students from over 150 countries.
UCF Students
UCF has a total enrollment of over 72,000 students, including approximately 60,000 undergraduates and 12,000 graduate students. The campus offers over 600 student organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved in campus life outside the classroom.
UCF Campus
UCF’s main campus spans 1,415 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities and amenities. The campus is home to the Reflecting Pond, a popular gathering spot for students and the site of many campus events. UCF also has several satellite campuses throughout Central Florida, including locations in Cocoa, Daytona Beach, and downtown Orlando.
UCF Alumni
Notable UCF alumni include actor and comedian Daniel Tosh, astronaut Nicole Stott, and former NFL player Daunte Culpepper. UCF alumni have gone on to successful careers in various fields, including business, entertainment, sports, and academia.
UCF Rankings
UCF is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UCF is ranked #152 in National Universities, #61 in Top Public Schools, and #86 in Best Colleges for Veterans.
UCF Outcomes
UCF boasts a strong post-graduation employment rate, with 94% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for UCF graduates is around $46,000 per year.
The University of Tampa Overview
The University of Tampa is a private university located in Tampa, Florida. Founded in 1931, UT offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across its four colleges. Known for its picturesque campus, strong business programs, and close-knit community, UT attracts students from all over the world.
The University of Tampa Costs & Tuition
Undergraduate tuition and fees at UT are approximately $29,992 per year. Room and board costs an estimated $11,766 annually. Financial aid options at UT include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
The University of Tampa Admissions
UT has a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 49%. The average SAT score for accepted students ranges from 1100 to 1250, and the average ACT score is between 22 and 27. High school GPA also plays an essential role in the admissions process, with the average admitted student having a 3.4 unweighted GPA.
The University of Tampa Degrees Offered
UT offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across its four colleges. Popular majors include business, communication, and visual and performing arts. The university also offers a variety of online degree programs, allowing students to complete their education remotely.
The University of Tampa Academics
UT has a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, with an average class size of 21 students. The university has a four-year graduation rate of 41% and a six-year graduation rate of 62%. UT is dedicated to providing students with a personalized education, with 91% of classes having fewer than 30 students.
The University of Tampa Diversity
UT has a diverse student body, with 36% of students identifying as ethnic minorities. Additionally, 54% of the student population is female, and 46% is male. The university also has an international student population, with students from over 130 countries.
The University of Tampa Students
UT has a total enrollment of approximately 9,600 students, including around 8,900 undergraduates and 700 graduate students. The campus offers over 200 student organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved in campus life outside the classroom.
The University of Tampa Campus
UT’s 110-acre campus is located along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa, offering students access to the vibrant city and its many attractions. The campus features historic buildings, modern facilities, and beautiful green spaces, providing a picturesque setting for academic pursuits.
The University of Tampa Alumni
Notable UT alumni include John Henson, host of TV’s Wipeout, and writer and producer Mark Swift. UT alumni have gone on to successful careers in various fields, including business, entertainment, and academia.
The University of Tampa Rankings
In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, The University of Tampa is ranked #20 in Regional Universities South, #16 in Best Colleges for Veterans, and #49 in Best Value Schools.
The University of Tampa Outcomes
UT has an 86% post-graduation employment rate, with graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for UT graduates is around $43,000 per year.
UCF vs The University of Tampa Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending UCF and UT, there are several factors to consider. For in-state students, UCF offers significantly lower tuition rates, with an estimated annual cost of $6,368, compared to UT’s $29,992. For out-of-state students, the difference is smaller but still significant, with UCF’s tuition and fees at approximately $22,467 per year, compared to UT’s $29,992. Additionally, room and board costs are slightly lower at UCF, averaging $10,300 per year, compared to UT’s $11,766.
UCF vs The University of Tampa Admissions Difficulty
In terms of admissions difficulty, UCF has a slightly lower acceptance rate (44%) compared to UT (49%). Additionally, the average SAT and ACT scores and high school GPAs for admitted students are higher at UCF compared to UT. Based on these factors, UCF is considered more competitive in the admissions process.
UCF vs The University of Tampa Academic Difficulty
When comparing academics, both UCF and UT offer rigorous programs. However, UCF has a stronger emphasis on research and STEM programs, while UT focuses on providing a personalized education with smaller class sizes. The student-faculty ratio is significantly lower at UT (16:1) compared to UCF (30:1), which may provide a more intimate learning environment.
UCF vs The University of Tampa Outcome Comparison
In terms of outcomes, both UCF and UT have strong post-graduation employment rates, with UCF at 94% and UT at 86%. However, the average starting salary for UCF graduates is slightly higher at $46,000 per year, compared to UT’s $43,000. UCF also has higher graduation rates, with a four-year rate of 42% and a six-year rate of 73%, compared to UT’s 41% and 62% rates, respectively.
