University of Florida vs University of Central Florida
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
University of Florida holds a 13-point ROI advantage over University of Central Florida, scoring 92/100 versus 79/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, University of Florida comes in at $6,541 per year (net price after aid) versus $10,411 at University of Central Florida - a difference of $3,870 annually, or roughly $15,480 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of Florida graduates earn a median of $71,588 compared to $58,308 at University of Central Florida. The payback period is 4.5 years at University of Florida versus 7.8 years at University of Central Florida.
Graduates leave University of Florida with a median $15,000 in debt versus $18,190 at University of Central Florida. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.31 and 0.46 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Florida | University of Central Flo... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $6,381 | $6,368 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $28,659 | $22,467 |
| Net Price (avg) | $6,541 | $10,411 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $26,164 | $41,644 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $47,700 | $39,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $71,588 | $58,308 |
| Graduation Rate | 91.1% | 78.0% |
| Payback Period | 4.5 yr | 7.8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $15,000 | $18,190 |
| Monthly Payment | $159 | $193 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.31 | 0.46 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 72.9% | 67.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 71.8% | 67.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 24.2% | 40.1% |
| Enrollment | 35,629 | 59,146 |
| SAT Range | 1320-1480 | 1200-1350 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Florid... | University of Centra... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $1,982 | $5,816 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $2,768 | $7,174 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $7,151 | $10,128 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $12,905 | $14,902 |
| $110,001+ | $16,723 | $17,681 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Florid... | University of Centra... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $128,140 | $106,680 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $126,268 | $98,526 |
| Electrical Engineering | $107,543 | $99,442 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $106,153 | $82,007 |
| Statistics | $98,409 | $76,372 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $97,113 | $89,663 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $94,375 | $96,972 |
| Accounting | $94,941 | $79,563 |
| Mathematics | $93,022 | $69,005 |
| Marketing | $92,626 | $72,440 |
| Economics | $89,075 | $76,360 |
| Civil Engineering | $86,453 | $86,803 |
| Registered Nursing | $79,839 | $83,737 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $82,615 | $69,111 |
| Environmental Engineering | $80,635 | $56,443 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Florid... | University of Centra... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 99 | 92 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 96 | 77 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 93 | 81 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 97 | 88 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 48 | 32 |
| Overall ROI Score | 92 | 79 |
The Verdict
University of Florida has a meaningfully higher ROI score (92 vs 79). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is noticeably stronger. That said, if University of Central Florida offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
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University of Florida
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Central Florida
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.