Central florida vs Kansas — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Central florida is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 93.5% acceptance). Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#401-500 vs #301-400). Kansas graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($62K vs $58K). Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $30,432 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 Kansas 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 93.5% acceptance); Central florida has a higher median SAT (1269 vs 1190).
Kansas graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($62K vs $58K); Central florida has a higher 6-year graduation rate (78% vs 68.8%).
Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $30,432); Kansas offers a larger average aid package ($19,700 vs $11,814).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Central florida | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 93.5% |
| Yield rate | 33.5% | 25.5% |
| Median SAT | 1269 | 1190 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 55,135 | 22,363 |
| International students | 5% | 7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $51K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $88K |
| Graduation rate | 78% | 68.8% |
| Retention rate | 92.3% | 86% |
| Median debt | $18,190 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $22,467 | $30,432 |
| Avg. aid package | $11,814 | $19,700 |
| % of need met | 65% | 78.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,529 | $27,212 |
| Application fee | $30 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 69,338 | 29,792 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Central florida or Kansas?
It's harder to get into Central florida. Central florida accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Kansas accepts 93.5%.
Do Central florida or Kansas graduates earn more?
Kansas graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $62K vs $58K.
How much is tuition at Central florida vs Kansas?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,467 per year at Central florida and $30,432 per year at Kansas.
What SAT score do you need for Central florida or Kansas?
The median admitted SAT score is 1269 at Central florida and 1190 at Kansas; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Central florida or Kansas?
Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Central florida vs #301-400 for Kansas.
Which university offers more financial aid — Central florida or Kansas?
The average aid package is $11,814 at Central florida and $19,700 at Kansas.
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