Central Florida vs Emory - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
The lower acceptance rate belongs to Emory: 10.3% against 44.7% (Central Florida).
The more international environment is at Emory (16.7% international students) than Central Florida (3.3%).
Average aid for an international student is $54,457 (Emory) and $928 (Central Florida).
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Emory lists $90,574 against $42,038 (Central Florida), but after average aid what remains is $23,245 against $30,224.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Emory is the more selective of the two (10.29% vs 44.71% acceptance). Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#401-500 vs #101-150). Emory graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($80K vs $58K). Central Florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($24,076 vs $68,056 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical - the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Central Florida for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Emory for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Emory is more selective (10.29% vs 44.71% acceptance); Emory has a higher median SAT (1510 vs 1260).
Emory graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($80K vs $58K); Emory has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.1% vs 78%).
Central Florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($24,076 vs $68,056); Emory offers a larger average aid package ($67,329 vs $11,814).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Central Florida | Emory |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | - | - |
| Acceptance rate | 44.71% | 10.29% |
| Yield rate | 33.5% | 40.4% |
| Median SAT | 1260 | 1510 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.16 | 3.84 |
| Number of applications | 55,135 | 34,614 |
| International students | 3.3% | 16.7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $80K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $39K | $58K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $120K |
| Graduation rate | 78% | 91.1% |
| Retention rate | 92.3% | 96% |
| Median debt | $18,190 | $18,250 |
| Tuition · year | $24,076 | $68,056 |
| Avg. aid package | $11,814 | $67,329 |
| % of need met | 65% | 99.9% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,529 | $24,562 |
| Application fee | $30 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 69,338 | 15,179 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Central Florida or Emory?
It's harder to get into Emory. Central Florida accepts 44.71% of applicants, while Emory accepts 10.29%.
Do Central Florida or Emory graduates earn more?
Emory graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $80K vs $58K.
How much is tuition at Central Florida vs Emory?
Sticker-price tuition is $24,076 per year at Central Florida and $68,056 per year at Emory.
What SAT score do you need for Central Florida or Emory?
The median admitted SAT score is 1260 at Central Florida and 1510 at Emory; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Central Florida or Emory?
Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Central Florida vs #101-150 for Emory.
Which university offers more financial aid - Central Florida or Emory?
The average aid package is $11,814 at Central Florida and $67,329 at Emory.
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