Central florida vs North carolina — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
North carolina is the more selective of the two (15.3% vs 40.1% acceptance). North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#401-500 vs #35). North carolina graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($72K vs $58K). Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $41,203 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.
Choose North carolina 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
North carolina is more selective (15.3% vs 40.1% acceptance); North carolina has a higher median SAT (1439 vs 1269).
North carolina graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($72K vs $58K); North carolina has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.2% vs 78%).
Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $41,203); North carolina offers a larger average aid package ($20,705 vs $11,814).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Central florida | North carolina |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #35 |
| Rank · THE | — | #70 |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 15.3% |
| Yield rate | 33.5% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1269 | 1439 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 4.50 |
| Number of applications | 55,135 | 66,535 |
| International students | 5% | 9% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $72K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $51K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $112K |
| Graduation rate | 78% | 91.2% |
| Retention rate | 92.3% | 96.6% |
| Median debt | $18,190 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $22,467 | $41,203 |
| Avg. aid package | $11,814 | $20,705 |
| % of need met | 65% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,529 | $20,382 |
| Application fee | $30 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 69,338 | 32,680 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Central florida or North carolina?
It's harder to get into North carolina. Central florida accepts 40.1% of applicants, while North carolina accepts 15.3%.
Do Central florida or North carolina graduates earn more?
North carolina graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $72K vs $58K.
How much is tuition at Central florida vs North carolina?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,467 per year at Central florida and $41,203 per year at North carolina.
What SAT score do you need for Central florida or North carolina?
The median admitted SAT score is 1269 at Central florida and 1439 at North carolina; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Central florida or North carolina?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Central florida vs #35 for North carolina.
Which university offers more financial aid — Central florida or North carolina?
The average aid package is $11,814 at Central florida and $20,705 at North carolina.
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