University of Central Florida (UCF), is a large public research university in Orlando, Florida. It is among the largest U.S. universities with approximately 69,000 students. Admissions are moderately selective and have an acceptance rate of 43%. UCF is most famous for Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Hospitality Management, Education, and Health Sciences. The 6-year graduation rate is 75%, and the median 10-year salary reported by alumni is INR 62,50,000 (? $75,000).
University of North Florida (UNF), is a smaller public university based in Jacksonville, Florida. It has around 17,000 students. Admissions at UNF are less competitive, with an acceptance rate of 62%. UNF has been known for its Business, Nursing, Education, Coastal Biology, and Public Administration programs. The 6-year graduation rate is 62%, and the 10-year median salary of alumni is INR 58,30,000 (? $70,000).
| University of Central Florida | University of North Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.2 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 701 QS World University 2026 # 401 Times Higher Education 2025 # 488 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 236 US News 2024 # 2020 US News 2024 # 1990 Center for World University Rankings 2022 |
| Subject Strength | # 74 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 501 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 76 for Law by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2021 | # 201 for Law by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2021 |
| Programs | UG Programs -70 PG Programs -75 Doctorate Programs -43 | UG Programs -79 PG Programs -34 |
| Acceptance Rate | 43.0 % | 62.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1150 TOEFL-80 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1090 TOEFL-79 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 22478 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 35820 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 24498 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 31320 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 31320 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 23540 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: MBA: $105,000 Bachelor of Science: $67,000 Bachelor of Arts; $60,000 | |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit English language proficiency scores Check program specific requirements | - |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.6/10 Read 21 reviews | - |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 201 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 251 for Business by QS World University 2025 | - |
| application | - | - |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120 | Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 79/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -31320 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Jul 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2025 Intake) Nov 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake) | Apr 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For Summer 2024 Intake) Aug 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake) Dec 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring 2025 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Central Florida | University of North Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1963 | 1970 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 30:1 | 18:1 |
| Male:Female | 69% Male, 31% Female | 44% Male, 56% Female |
| Location Facts | The University of Central Florida main campus is located along Alafaya Trail east of Orlando, Florida. In addition to its Orlando campus, the University of Central Florida has several other campuses to service the Central Florida region. In Orlando, there is one other campus, located at Valencia West, as well as partnerships with local colleges. Outside Orlando, there are campuses in Cocoa, Clermont, Daytona Beach, Kissimmee, Leesburg, Ocala, Palm Bay, and Sanford. The 50-acre UCF Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona includes the UCF College of Medicine and the Burnett Biomedical Sciences Building. University also has a 15-acre (6-hectare) campus in downtown Orlando in collaboration with Valencia College. | |
| Library | The University of Central Florida's Libraries is a university library system that is administered by the University of Central Florida, a metropolitan public research university located in Orlando, Florida, United States. The system, which stretches across Central Florida, includes eleven libraries of the university and provides primary support to all academic programs. UCF Libraries collections include over 2 million print volumes, 3 million microforms, 300,000 government documents, 10,000 full text electronic journal subscriptions, 600,000 e-books, 40,000 media titles, a base of 17,000 serial subscriptions, in addition to special collections and university archives materials | |
| Campus Life | UCF has over 400 registered student organizations, intramural sports, and an active Student Government Association. The university encourages student activism through organizations such as the Office of Student Involvement, the Multicultural Student Center, the Campus Activities Board, Volunteer UCF and Learning and Interacting with New Knights, an organization that fosters freshman involvement. UCF's main campus also boasts two Recreation and Wellness Centers. The main center is located on the south side of campus, adjacent to the Academic Village. The second gym is located in Knights Plaza on the north side of campus. The Centers are open to all students. Many different recreational organizations and facilities are available on the UCF campus. Lake Claire is an on-campus lake with canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats available for rent (free to UCF students), and a small beachfront. In addition, UCF's Challenge Course is one of only five in the country to contain a high elements course. The university currently houses 11,000 beds on-campus in eight different housing communities. | |
| Hostel | #Off campus (with family) - $4970 #On campus - $9764 #Off campus (not with family) - $9764 | #Off campus (with family) - $3834 #On campus - $9772 #Off campus (not with family) - $9934 |
| Famous Alumni | Cody Allen: Former MLB pitcher for the Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Angels Chasen Bradford : MLB pitcher free agent Drew Butera: MLB catcher for the Los Angeles Angels Jim Atchison: President and chief executive officer, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Dan Benjamin: Software developer and founder, 5by5 Studios Ross Brown: Senior Vice President, Worldwide Partners and Alliances, VMware Anthony Connelly: Senior vice president and chief financial officer, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts | |
| City Life | There's downtown Orlando, the seat of Orange County government and a center for nightclubs, restaurants, concerts and post-game celebrations. There's residential Orlando, which developed during the 1920s' "City Beautiful" movement to feature canopied oaks and lakefront bungalows. And then there's the Orlando that tourists know: the Orlando that's home to some of the world's top theme parks and that welcomes millions of travelers each year, making it one of the most popular vacation destinations in America. The cost of housing in Orlando is close to the national median sale price, although like with many markets, home prices have soared here in recent years. Part of the appeal of living in Orlando is that Florida has no state income tax. | |
| Weather |
University of Central Florida vs University of North Florida
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is ranked higher internationally, positioned in the range 701–750 by QS and 401–500 by Times Higher Education. The University of North Florida (UNF) does not generally surface among major international rankings due to its position as a local teaching-focused university. UCF is particularly well-represented in the field of engineering, computer science, hospitality management (globally top-ranked for years), and space sciences thanks to its connection with NASA and the space industry. UNF is strongest in business, education, health sciences, and coastal biology with an emphasis on undergraduate teaching and regional professional development.
General Information
UCF, located in Orlando, Florida, is one of the largest universities in the United States with nearly 69,000 students. It is a huge public research university offering a wide range of academic programs as well as partnering with industries like aerospace, tourism, and technology. UNF, located in Jacksonville, Florida, is a small public university with approximately 17,000 students. It emphasizes individualized education, community commitment, and professional-focused programs specifically serving Northeast Florida.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
UCF has an acceptance rate of roughly 43%, which is moderately selective for such a large public university. Admission is competitive for schools such as engineering, computer science, and business. UNF's acceptance rate is slightly higher at around 62%, which makes it less selective, though nursing, education, and business programs can be more competitive.
Research Impact & Facilities
UCF is an R1 research institution, heavily investing in engineering, technology, health, and space sciences. Its near-neighbor relations with NASA, Lockheed Martin, and the hospitality sector extend its national and international research contribution. UNF is not an R1, but rather specialized in applied research, community-based projects, and undergraduate education. It possesses niche specialties in coastal and marine biology and regional healthcare but does not have the size-intensive research facilities of UCF.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both are state universities in Florida, so the cost of tuition is pretty reasonable. UCF in-state tuition is approximately $6,400 annually, while out-of-state tuition is approximately $22,000. UNF is comparable, with in-state tuition at around $6,400 and out-of-state tuition at around $21,000. In-state students at both schools are assisted with financial aid and the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship program.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
UCF graduates are advantaged by Orlando's vast job market, especially in engineering, aerospace, defense, hospitality, and healthcare. Its alumni base is enormous, considering how large it is. UNF alumni are well-established in business, education, healthcare, and public service in Northeast Florida. Although UNF alumni networks are robust locally, UCF's size, research, and industry relationships provide it with wider national and global career networks.
