UCF vs. Florida Poly

Comparable Facts

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

University of Central Florida is larger than Florida Poly based on total student enrollment (69,713 students vs. 1,769 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Florida is located in Orlando, FL (Large Suburban setting); Florida Polytechnic University is in Lakeland, Florida (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of Central Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Florida Polytechnic University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Florida 28:1; Florida Polytechnic University 17:1.

UCF vs. Florida Poly Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UCF or Florida Poly? 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 Polytechnic University than UCF ($13,016 vs. $13,351).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Florida are 14% lower than at Florida Polytechnic University ($12,452 vs. $14,482).
• University of Central Florida is 28.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Florida Poly (about $1,428 more per year; $6,368.00 vs. $4,940.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7% higher at UCF than at Florida Polytechnic University (about $1,462 more per year; $22,467.00 vs. $21,005.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Florida Polytechnic University than at University of Central Florida (98% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Central Florida students is 11.8% larger than aid received by Florida Polytechnic University students ($9,704 vs. $8,681).

UCF vs. Florida Poly Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UCF or Florida Poly? 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 Florida Poly and UCF.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Central Florida (1280) is 20 points higher than at Florida Poly (1260).
• Incoming UCF students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Florida Poly (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Florida 1200/1350; Florida Polytechnic University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Florida 25/29; Florida Polytechnic University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UCF - Required; Florida Poly - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: UCF May 1, 2027; Florida Poly Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UCF students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at Florida Poly (3.53).
• Florida Poly has a higher acceptance rate (57.5%) than UCF (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.5% at UCF vs. 20.2% at Florida Poly.

UCF vs. Florida Poly Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UCF and Florida Poly? 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).

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.