Central florida vs Texas rio grande valley — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Central florida is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 94.2% acceptance). Central florida ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#401-500 vs #801-900). Central florida graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($58K vs $50K). Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $22,467 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, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Texas rio grande valley for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Central florida is more selective (40.1% vs 94.2% acceptance); Central florida has a higher median SAT (1269 vs 985).
Central florida graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($58K vs $50K); Central florida has a higher 6-year graduation rate (78% vs 50.9%).
Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $22,467); Central florida offers a larger average aid package ($11,814 vs $11,242).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Central florida | Texas rio grande valley |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 94.2% |
| Yield rate | 33.5% | 55.4% |
| Median SAT | 1269 | 985 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | — |
| Number of applications | 55,135 | 12,137 |
| International students | 5% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $50K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $51K | $44K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $67K |
| Graduation rate | 78% | 50.9% |
| Retention rate | 92.3% | 78.9% |
| Median debt | $18,190 | $12,950 |
| Tuition · year | $22,467 | $19,827 |
| Avg. aid package | $11,814 | $11,242 |
| % of need met | 65% | 72% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,529 | $14,589 |
| Application fee | $30 | — |
| Enrollment | 69,338 | 31,864 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Central florida or Texas rio grande valley?
It's harder to get into Central florida. Central florida accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Texas rio grande valley accepts 94.2%.
Do Central florida or Texas rio grande valley graduates earn more?
Central florida graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $58K vs $50K.
How much is tuition at Central florida vs Texas rio grande valley?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,467 per year at Central florida and $19,827 per year at Texas rio grande valley.
What SAT score do you need for Central florida or Texas rio grande valley?
The median admitted SAT score is 1269 at Central florida and 985 at Texas rio grande valley; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Central florida or Texas rio grande valley?
Central florida ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Central florida vs #801-900 for Texas rio grande valley.
Which university offers more financial aid — Central florida or Texas rio grande valley?
The average aid package is $11,814 at Central florida and $11,242 at Texas rio grande valley.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern