UCF vs. University of West Florida

Comparable Facts

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

University of Central Florida is larger than University of West Florida based on total student enrollment (69,713 students vs. 14,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Florida is located in Orlando, FL (Large Suburban setting); University of West Florida is in Pensacola, FL (Small City setting).
• University of Central Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of West Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Florida 28:1; University of West Florida 22:1.

UCF vs. University of West Florida Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UCF or University of West Florida? 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 University of West Florida than UCF ($10,092 vs. $13,351).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Florida are 0.2% lower than at University of Central Florida ($12,432 vs. $12,452).
• University of Central Florida is 0.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of West Florida (about $8 more per year; $6,368.00 vs. $6,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.8% higher at UCF than at University of West Florida (about $3,226 more per year; $22,467.00 vs. $19,241.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Central Florida than at University of West Florida (86% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Central Florida students is 1.1% larger than aid received by University of West Florida students ($9,704 vs. $9,595).

UCF vs. University of West Florida Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UCF or University of West Florida? 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 University of West Florida and UCF.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Central Florida (1280) is 150 points higher than at University of West Florida (1130).
• Incoming UCF students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at University of West Florida).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Florida 1200/1350; University of West Florida 1020/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Florida 25/29; University of West Florida 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UCF - Required; University of West Florida - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: UCF May 1, 2027; University of West Florida Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UCF students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at University of West Florida (3.6).
• University of West Florida has a higher acceptance rate (58.2%) than UCF (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.5% at UCF vs. 26.1% at University of West Florida.

UCF vs. University of West Florida Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UCF and University of West Florida? 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 University of West Florida's (48%).
• Graduates from University of Central Florida earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than University of West Florida graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Florida graduates have a $480 lower median loan debt than University of West Florida graduates ($18,270 vs. $18,750).
• Among borrowers, UCF graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of West Florida graduates ($188 vs. $193).
• More UCF graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Florida students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 55%)

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.