UCF vs. FIU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL with Florida International University in Miami, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Central Florida is larger than FIU based on total student enrollment (69,713 students vs. 54,723 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Florida is located in Orlando, FL (Large Suburban setting); Florida International University is in Miami, FL (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Central Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Florida International University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Florida 28:1; Florida International University 24:1.

UCF vs. FIU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UCF or FIU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Florida International University than UCF ($11,178 vs. $13,351).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Florida are 4.8% lower than at Florida International University ($12,452 vs. $13,080).
• Florida International University is 3.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than UCF (about $197 more per year; $6,565.00 vs. $6,368.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.5% higher at UCF than at Florida International University (about $3,503 more per year; $22,467.00 vs. $18,964.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Central Florida than at Florida International University (86% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Florida International University students is 6.7% larger than aid received by University of Central Florida students ($10,350 vs. $9,704).

UCF vs. FIU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UCF or FIU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between FIU and UCF.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Central Florida (1280) is 110 points higher than at FIU (1170).
• Incoming UCF students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at FIU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Florida 1200/1350; Florida International University 1070/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Florida 25/29; Florida International University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UCF - Required; FIU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: UCF May 1, 2027; FIU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman FIU students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at UCF (3.64).
• FIU has a higher acceptance rate (54.7%) than UCF (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.5% at UCF vs. 29.2% at FIU.

UCF vs. FIU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UCF and FIU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Central Florida's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Florida International University's (43%).
• Graduates from Florida International University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than UCF graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,900 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Florida International University graduates have a $1,042 lower median loan debt than UCF graduates ($17,228 vs. $18,270).
• Among borrowers, FIU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UCF graduates ($178 vs. $188).
• More UCF graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former FIU students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.