In this article, we will be comparing two well-known universities in Florida: the University of North Florida (UNF) and the University of Central Florida (UCF). Both institutions offer a wide range of programs and opportunities for students, and we will evaluate them based on factors such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, and more. This comparison will help students make an informed decision when choosing between these two schools.
UNF Overview
The University of North Florida is a public university located in Jacksonville, Florida. Established in 1972, UNF has a sprawling 1,300-acre campus which is home to over 17,000 students. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on providing a high-quality education and fostering a strong sense of community among students.
UNF Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at UNF for the 2021-2022 academic year are approximately $6,394 for in-state students and $20,798 for out-of-state students. Additional expenses such as housing, meal plans, and textbooks can bring the total cost of attendance to around $20,000 to $35,000 per year depending on the student’s residency status.
UNF Admissions
The acceptance rate at UNF is around 61%, making it a somewhat selective institution. Applicants are required to submit high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal essay. The average incoming freshman has a high school GPA of 3.98 and an SAT score of 1200.
UNF Degrees Offered
UNF offers over 50 undergraduate and 30 graduate degree programs, including those in business, health, education, and engineering. Some of the most popular majors at UNF include psychology, nursing, business administration, and biology.
UNF Academics
The University of North Florida prides itself on offering a high-quality education with a strong focus on experiential learning. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, students have ample opportunity to engage with their instructors and peers in an intimate learning environment.
UNF Diversity
UNF has a diverse student body, with 58% of students identifying as white, 18% as black or African American, 13% as Hispanic or Latino, and 4% as Asian. The university also has a large population of LGBTQ+ students, and it offers resources and support through its LGBTQ+ Resource Center.
UNF Students
There are over 200 student organizations on campus, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved and develop leadership skills. UNF also has a strong commitment to sustainability, with numerous initiatives and programs designed to promote environmental stewardship.
UNF Campus
UNF’s 1,300-acre campus features a mix of modern and traditional architecture, as well as plenty of green spaces and natural areas for students to enjoy. The campus also boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a fitness center, a recreation complex, and several dining options.
UNF Alumni
Notable UNF alumni include Lenny Curry, the Mayor of Jacksonville; Derek Trucks, a Grammy-winning guitarist; and Brian Kaminski, a former NASA astronaut.
UNF Rankings
UNF is ranked #281 in the National Universities category by U.S. News & World Report, and it is also recognized for its commitment to innovation and undergraduate teaching.
UNF Outcomes
Graduates from UNF have a strong track record of success, with a 69% six-year graduation rate and an 85% employment rate for those who graduate from the university.
UCF Overview
The University of Central Florida is a public research university located in Orlando, Florida. Established in 1963, it is the largest university in the United States by undergraduate enrollment, with over 69,000 students. UCF offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on innovation, research, and community engagement.
UCF Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at UCF for the 2021-2022 academic year are approximately $6,368 for in-state students and $22,467 for out-of-state students. Additional expenses such as housing, meal plans, and textbooks can bring the total cost of attendance to around $19,000 to $38,000 per year depending on the student’s residency status.
UCF Admissions
The acceptance rate at UCF is around 44%, making it a moderately selective institution. Applicants are required to submit high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal essay. The average incoming freshman has a high school GPA of 4.13 and an SAT score of 1280.
UCF Degrees Offered
UCF offers over 220 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including those in engineering, business, nursing, and hospitality management. Some of the most popular majors at UCF include psychology, health sciences, mechanical engineering, and computer science.
UCF Academics
The University of Central Florida is known for its focus on innovation and research, with faculty and students engaging in cutting-edge projects across a wide range of disciplines. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 30:1, UCF offers a large-scale educational experience that still allows for personalized attention from instructors.
UCF Diversity
UCF has a diverse student body, with 43% of students identifying as white, 25% as Hispanic or Latino, 13% as black or African American, and 6% as Asian. The university also has a strong commitment to promoting inclusion and equity, with numerous resources and support services available to students from historically underrepresented groups.
UCF Students
There are over 600 student organizations on campus, providing a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved and develop leadership skills. UCF also has a strong commitment to community engagement, with many students participating in service-learning projects and volunteer opportunities.
UCF Campus
UCF’s 1,415-acre campus features modern architecture, state-of-the-art facilities, and numerous green spaces for students to enjoy. The campus also offers a wide range of amenities, including a recreation and wellness center, a performing arts center, and several dining options.
UCF Alumni
Notable UCF alumni include Daniel Tosh, a comedian and television host; Cheryl Hines, an actress and director; and Eric Swalwell, a U.S. Representative.
UCF Rankings
UCF is ranked #160 in the National Universities category by U.S. News & World Report and is recognized for its commitment to innovation, undergraduate research, and social mobility.
UCF Outcomes
Graduates from UCF have a strong track record of success, with a 73% six-year graduation rate and an 88% employment rate for those who graduate from the university.
UNF vs UCF Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending UNF and UCF, it is important to consider not only tuition and fees but also additional expenses such as housing, meal plans, and textbooks. For in-state students, tuition and fees at UNF are slightly higher than at UCF ($6,394 vs $6,368). However, for out-of-state students, tuition and fees at UNF are significantly lower than at UCF ($20,798 vs $22,467).
Total cost of attendance, including additional expenses, can range from $20,000 to $35,000 per year at UNF and $19,000 to $38,000 per year at UCF, depending on the student’s residency status. While the overall costs may be similar, it is important for students to evaluate their individual financial situations and consider factors such as scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid when making a decision.
UNF vs UCF Admissions Difficulty
Both UNF and UCF have selective admissions processes, with UCF being slightly more competitive in terms of acceptance rate (44% vs 61% at UNF). The average high school GPA and SAT scores of admitted students are also higher at UCF (4.13 GPA and 1280 SAT) compared to UNF (3.98 GPA and 1200 SAT). While both schools have rigorous admissions standards, students may find it easier to gain acceptance to UNF than UCF.
UNF vs UCF Academic Difficulty
Comparing the academic difficulty of UNF and UCF can be challenging due to the wide range of programs and disciplines offered at each institution. However, both schools are known for their commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a strong sense of community among students.
UNF has a smaller student-to-faculty ratio (19:1) compared to UCF (30:1), which may lead to more personalized attention and support from instructors. On the other hand, UCF is known for its focus on innovation and research, offering students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge projects across various disciplines.
Ultimately, the academic difficulty of each institution will depend on the specific program and major chosen by the student.
UNF vs UCF Outcome Comparison
When considering the outcomes of graduates from UNF and UCF, both schools have strong track records of success. UNF has a six-year graduation rate of 69%, while UCF’s graduation rate is slightly higher at 73%. Employment rates for graduates are also similar, with 85% of UNF graduates and 88% of UCF graduates finding employment after graduation.
While both schools have positive outcomes for their graduates, students should consider factors such as their specific major, career goals, and personal preferences when deciding between UNF and UCF.
