Central florida vs Maryland (umbc) — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Central florida is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 72.4% acceptance). Central florida ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#401-500 vs #601-700). Maryland (umbc) graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $58K). Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $31,275 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: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Maryland (umbc) for: 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 72.4% acceptance); Maryland (umbc) has a higher median SAT (1323 vs 1269).
Maryland (umbc) graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $58K); Central florida has a higher 6-year graduation rate (78% vs 70%).
Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $31,275); Maryland (umbc) offers a larger average aid package ($14,712 vs $11,814).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Central florida | Maryland (umbc) |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #601-700 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 72.4% |
| Yield rate | 33.5% | 21.6% |
| Median SAT | 1269 | 1323 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 4.10 |
| Number of applications | 55,135 | 14,325 |
| International students | 5% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $70K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $51K | $60K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $101K |
| Graduation rate | 78% | 70% |
| Retention rate | 92.3% | 85% |
| Median debt | $18,190 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $22,467 | $31,275 |
| Avg. aid package | $11,814 | $14,712 |
| % of need met | 65% | 47% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,529 | $22,450 |
| Application fee | $30 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 69,338 | 13,906 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Central florida or Maryland (umbc)?
It's harder to get into Central florida. Central florida accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Maryland (umbc) accepts 72.4%.
Do Central florida or Maryland (umbc) graduates earn more?
Maryland (umbc) graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $70K vs $58K.
How much is tuition at Central florida vs Maryland (umbc)?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,467 per year at Central florida and $31,275 per year at Maryland (umbc).
What SAT score do you need for Central florida or Maryland (umbc)?
The median admitted SAT score is 1269 at Central florida and 1323 at Maryland (umbc); aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Central florida or Maryland (umbc)?
Central florida ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Central florida vs #601-700 for Maryland (umbc).
Which university offers more financial aid — Central florida or Maryland (umbc)?
The average aid package is $11,814 at Central florida and $14,712 at Maryland (umbc).
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