When evaluating colleges, it is essential to compare different institutions to determine which one best meets your academic, financial, and personal needs. In this article, we will compare two popular universities in the southeastern United States: the University of Central Florida (UCF) and Georgia Southern University (GSU). We will analyze various factors such as cost, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes to help you make an informed decision.
University of Central Florida (UCF) Overview
The University of Central Florida is a large public research institution located in Orlando, Florida. Established in 1963, UCF has grown to become the largest university in terms of enrollment in the United States. UCF offers over 220 degree programs across 13 colleges, including popular programs in engineering, business, and hospitality management.
UCF Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance for in-state undergraduate students at UCF is approximately $22,500, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $39,200. These costs include tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, and personal expenses. Financial aid and scholarships are available for eligible students to help offset these expenses.
UCF Admissions
Admission to UCF is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 44%. UCF evaluates applicants based on factors such as high school GPA, SAT or ACT scores, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. For the Fall 2021 incoming class, the middle 50% of accepted students had a GPA of 4.0-4.4 and SAT scores of 1250-1370.
UCF Degrees Offered
UCF offers a diverse range of degree programs across various fields. Students can choose from over 220 programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Some of the most popular majors at UCF include engineering, business, hospitality management, health sciences, and computer science.
UCF Academics
UCF is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in fields such as engineering, business, and hospitality management. The university offers small class sizes, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 30:1, allowing for personalized attention from faculty members. UCF also offers numerous research and internship opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
UCF Diversity
UCF is committed to promoting diversity and inclusiveness among its students, faculty, and staff. The university has a diverse student population, with students representing all 50 states and over 150 countries. UCF also offers numerous programs and resources to support students from various backgrounds, such as the Multicultural Academic Support Services (MASS) and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
UCF Students
UCF has a large student body, with over 72,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. The campus is a bustling and active environment, with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities available for students to participate in. Students at UCF also enjoy a strong sense of school spirit, particularly during athletic events and campus traditions.
UCF Campus
UCF’s main campus is located in Orlando, Florida, a city known for its diverse culture, entertainment, and attractions. The campus spans over 1,400 acres and features modern facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and ample green spaces for students to enjoy. In addition to the main campus, UCF also has several regional campuses and centers throughout Florida, providing additional learning opportunities for students.
UCF Alumni
UCF has a strong network of over 320,000 alumni worldwide. Many UCF graduates have gone on to achieve success in various fields, such as business, entertainment, and athletics. Notable alumni include Daniel Tosh, comedian and television host; Cheryl Hines, actress and director; and Daunte Culpepper, former NFL quarterback.
UCF Rankings
UCF is consistently ranked among the best universities in the nation. In the 2022 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, UCF was ranked #176 in National Universities and #87 in Top Public Schools. Additionally, UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management is ranked among the top 5 best hospitality and hotel management schools in the world.
UCF Outcomes
UCF has a strong commitment to student success and outcomes, with a six-year graduation rate of approximately 73%. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for UCF alumni is around $49,000, while the average mid-career salary is about $85,000. These figures indicate that UCF graduates are well-positioned for success in their chosen careers.
Georgia Southern University (GSU) Overview
Georgia Southern University is a large public institution located in Statesboro, Georgia. Founded in 1906, GSU offers over 125 degree programs across eight colleges, with popular majors including business, education, and health professions. GSU is known for its commitment to hands-on learning, offering numerous research, internship, and cooperative education opportunities for students.
GSU Costs & Tuition
The estimated total cost of attendance for in-state undergraduate students at GSU for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $22,100, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $34,100. These costs include tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, and personal expenses. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help eligible students with these expenses.
GSU Admissions
Admissions at GSU are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 54%. GSU evaluates applicants based on factors such as high school GPA, SAT or ACT scores, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. For the Fall 2021 incoming class, the middle 50% of accepted students had a GPA of 3.2-3.8 and SAT scores of 1050-1200.
GSU Degrees Offered
Georgia Southern University offers over 125 degree programs across eight colleges, including bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Popular majors at GSU include business administration, education, nursing, engineering, and psychology.
GSU Academics
GSU is known for its commitment to experiential learning, with numerous research, internship, and cooperative education opportunities available for students. The university offers small class sizes, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, allowing for personalized attention from faculty members. GSU has also been recognized for its innovative online programs and commitment to accessibility.
GSU Diversity
Georgia Southern University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusiveness among its students, faculty, and staff. GSU has a diverse student population, with students representing all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university also offers numerous programs and resources to support students from various backgrounds, such as the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Center for International Studies.
GSU Students
GSU has a student population of over 26,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. The campus is an active environment, with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities available for students to participate in. Students at GSU also enjoy a strong sense of school spirit, particularly during athletic events and campus traditions.
GSU Campus
The main campus of Georgia Southern University is located in Statesboro, Georgia, a small town with a friendly atmosphere and strong community spirit. The campus spans over 900 acres and features modern facilities, abundant green spaces, and state-of-the-art technology. In addition to the main campus, GSU also has campuses in Savannah and Hinesville, providing additional learning opportunities for students.
GSU Alumni
Georgia Southern University has a strong network of over 90,000 alumni worldwide. Many GSU graduates have gone on to achieve success in various fields, such as business, education, and healthcare. Notable alumni include Luke Bryan, country music singer, and songwriter; Cole Swindell, country music artist; and Edwin Jackson, former NFL linebacker.
GSU Rankings
GSU is consistently ranked among the top universities in the region. In the 2022 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, GSU was ranked #293-#381 in National Universities and #154-#209 in Top Public Schools.
GSU Outcomes
Georgia Southern University is committed to student success, with a six-year graduation rate of approximately 53%. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for GSU alumni is around $45,000, while the average mid-career salary is about $78,000. These figures indicate that GSU graduates are well-positioned for success in their chosen careers.
University of Central Florida (UCF) vs Georgia Southern University (GSU) Cost Comparison
When comparing the total cost of attendance for in-state undergraduate students, both UCF and GSU have similar costs, with UCF estimated at $22,500 and GSU at $22,100. However, for out-of-state students, attending UCF is slightly more expensive with an estimated cost of $39,200, compared to $34,100 at GSU. Both universities offer financial aid and scholarships to eligible students, which can help offset these expenses.
UCF vs GSU Admissions Difficulty
Both UCF and GSU have moderately competitive admissions, with acceptance rates of 44% and 54% respectively. When comparing the middle 50% of accepted students, UCF has a slightly higher average GPA (4.0-4.4) and SAT scores (1250-1370) than GSU (GPA of 3.2-3.8 and SAT scores of 1050-1200). This suggests that admission to UCF may be slightly more difficult than admission to GSU.
UCF vs GSU Academic Difficulty
Both universities offer rigorous academic programs, with UCF being particularly known for its strong engineering, business, and hospitality management programs, and GSU for its commitment to experiential learning and popular majors in business, education, and health professions. Comparing student-to-faculty ratios, UCF has a ratio of 30:1, while GSU has a slightly lower ratio of 20:1, which may indicate a more personalized learning experience at GSU.
UCF vs GSU Outcome Comparison
UCF has a higher six-year graduation rate (73%) compared to GSU (53%). Additionally, UCF alumni tend to have slightly higher early career salaries ($49,000) and mid-career salaries ($85,000) compared to GSU alumni ($45,000 and $78,000, respectively). This suggests that UCF graduates may have a slight advantage in terms of academic and career outcomes.
In conclusion, both the University of Central Florida and Georgia Southern University offer unique strengths and opportunities for students. When making your decision, consider factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, academic rigor, campus life, and post-graduation outcomes to determine which university best aligns with your goals and preferences.
