UCF vs. Utah

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL with University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Central Florida is larger than Utah based on total student enrollment (69,713 students vs. 36,894 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Florida is located in Orlando, FL (Large Suburban setting); University of Utah is in Salt Lake City, UT (Midsize City setting).
• University of Central Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Utah is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Florida 28:1; University of Utah 19:1.

UCF vs. Utah Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UCF or Utah? 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 Utah ($13,351 vs. $16,583).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Florida are 6.5% lower than at University of Utah ($12,452 vs. $13,315).
• University of Utah is 51.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than UCF (about $3,252 more per year; $9,620.00 vs. $6,368.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.4% higher at Utah than at University of Central Florida (about $8,393 more per year; $30,860.00 vs. $22,467.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Central Florida than at University of Utah (86% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Utah students is 31.3% larger than aid received by University of Central Florida students ($12,744 vs. $9,704).

UCF vs. Utah Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Utah (1290) is 10 points higher than at UCF (1280).
• Incoming UCF students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Utah).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Florida 1200/1350; University of Utah 1190/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Florida 25/29; University of Utah 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UCF - Required; Utah - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UCF May 1, 2027; Utah Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UCF students have the same average high school GPA (3.64) as students at Utah (3.64).
• Utah has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than UCF (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.5% at UCF vs. 26% at Utah.

UCF vs. Utah Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UCF and Utah? 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 Utah's (55%).
• Graduates from University of Utah earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than UCF graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,300 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Utah graduates have a $3,270 lower median loan debt than UCF graduates ($15,000 vs. $18,270).
• Among borrowers, Utah graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UCF graduates ($155 vs. $188).
• More Utah graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UCF students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.