Emory vs Central florida — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Emory is the more selective of the two (10.7% vs 40.1% acceptance). Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #401-500). Emory graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($80K vs $58K). Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $64,280 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 Emory for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Central florida for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Emory is more selective (10.7% vs 40.1% acceptance); Emory has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1269).
Emory graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($80K vs $58K); Emory has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.1% vs 78%).
Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $64,280); Emory offers a larger average aid package ($67,329 vs $11,814).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Emory | Central florida |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 10.7% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 40.4% | 33.5% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1269 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 34,614 | 55,135 |
| International students | 19% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $58K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $84K | $51K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $120K | $86K |
| Graduation rate | 91.1% | 78% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 92.3% |
| Median debt | $18,250 | $18,190 |
| Tuition · year | $64,280 | $22,467 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,329 | $11,814 |
| % of need met | 99.9% | 65% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,562 | $20,529 |
| Application fee | $75 | $30 |
| Enrollment | 15,179 | 69,338 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Emory or Central florida?
It's harder to get into Emory. Emory accepts 10.7% of applicants, while Central florida accepts 40.1%.
Do Emory or Central florida graduates earn more?
Emory graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $80K vs $58K.
How much is tuition at Emory vs Central florida?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,280 per year at Emory and $22,467 per year at Central florida.
What SAT score do you need for Emory or Central florida?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Emory and 1269 at Central florida; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Emory or Central florida?
Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Emory vs #401-500 for Central florida.
Which university offers more financial aid — Emory or Central florida?
The average aid package is $67,329 at Emory and $11,814 at Central florida.
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