Central florida vs Houston — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Central florida is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 73.9% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#401-500 vs #201-300). Houston graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($62K vs $58K). Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $22,547 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: higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Houston for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Central florida is more selective (40.1% vs 73.9% acceptance); Central florida has a higher median SAT (1269 vs 1250).
Houston graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($62K vs $58K); Central florida has a higher 6-year graduation rate (78% vs 64.6%).
Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $22,547); Houston offers a larger average aid package ($16,450 vs $11,814).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Central florida | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 33.5% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1269 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 55,135 | 31,716 |
| International students | 5% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $51K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 78% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 92.3% | 87% |
| Median debt | $18,190 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $22,467 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $11,814 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 65% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,529 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $30 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 69,338 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Central florida or Houston?
It's harder to get into Central florida. Central florida accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do Central florida or Houston graduates earn more?
Houston graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $62K vs $58K.
How much is tuition at Central florida vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,467 per year at Central florida and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Central florida or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1269 at Central florida and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Central florida or Houston?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Central florida vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid — Central florida or Houston?
The average aid package is $11,814 at Central florida and $16,450 at Houston.
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