UCF vs. University of Missouri-Columbia

Comparable Facts

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

University of Central Florida is larger than University of Missouri-Columbia based on total student enrollment (69,713 students vs. 31,543 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Florida is located in Orlando, FL (Large Suburban setting); University of Missouri Columbia is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• University of Central Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Missouri Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Florida 28:1; University of Missouri Columbia 17:1.

UCF vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UCF or University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 Central Florida than University of Missouri-Columbia ($13,351 vs. $22,169).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Florida are 9.1% lower than at University of Missouri Columbia ($12,452 vs. $13,700).
• University of Missouri Columbia is 133% more expensive for in-state tuition than UCF (about $8,469 more per year; $14,837.00 vs. $6,368.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.5% higher at University of Missouri-Columbia than at University of Central Florida (about $13,589 more per year; $36,056.00 vs. $22,467.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Missouri Columbia than at University of Central Florida (95% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Missouri Columbia students is 36.1% larger than aid received by University of Central Florida students ($13,203 vs. $9,704).

UCF vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UCF or University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 Missouri-Columbia and UCF.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Central Florida (1280) is 40 points higher than at University of Missouri-Columbia (1240).
• Incoming UCF students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at University of Missouri-Columbia).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Florida 1200/1350; University of Missouri Columbia 1150/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Florida 25/29; University of Missouri Columbia 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UCF - Required; University of Missouri-Columbia - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UCF May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UCF students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at University of Missouri-Columbia (3.61).
• University of Missouri-Columbia has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than UCF (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.5% at UCF vs. 31% at University of Missouri-Columbia.

UCF vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UCF and University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 Missouri Columbia's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than University of Central Florida's (63%).
• Graduates from University of Missouri Columbia earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than UCF graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,200 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Florida graduates have a $3,613 lower median loan debt than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates ($18,270 vs. $21,883).
• Among borrowers, UCF graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates ($188 vs. $226).
• More University of Missouri-Columbia graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UCF students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 59%)

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.