Harvard vs Central Florida - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Harvard admits 3.6% of applicants, while Central Florida admits 44.7%.
The more international environment is at Harvard (15.7% international students) than Central Florida (3.3%).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Harvard awards international students $81,046 on average, Central Florida awards $928.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Harvard lists $87,926 against $42,038 (Central Florida), but after average aid what remains is $13,539 against $30,224.
The indicators describe a university as a whole, and your own course can sit a long way from that average.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Harvard is the more selective of the two (3.65% vs 44.71% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#1 vs #401-500). Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $58K). Central Florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($24,076 vs $64,796 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 Harvard 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
Harvard is more selective (3.65% vs 44.71% acceptance); Harvard has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1260).
Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $58K); Harvard has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 78%).
Central Florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($24,076 vs $64,796); Harvard offers a larger average aid package ($74,387 vs $11,814).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Harvard | Central Florida |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #1 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | #3 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 3.65% | 44.71% |
| Yield rate | 83.6% | 33.5% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1260 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.21 | 4.16 |
| Number of applications | 54,008 | 55,135 |
| International students | 15.7% | 3.3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $58K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $65K | $39K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $200K | $86K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 78% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 92.3% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $18,190 |
| Tuition · year | $64,796 | $24,076 |
| Avg. aid package | $74,387 | $11,814 |
| % of need met | 100% | 65% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,262 | $20,529 |
| Application fee | $85 | $30 |
| Enrollment | 21,189 | 69,338 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Harvard or Central Florida?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Harvard accepts 3.65% of applicants, while Central Florida accepts 44.71%.
Do Harvard or Central Florida graduates earn more?
Harvard graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $58K.
How much is tuition at Harvard vs Central Florida?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,796 per year at Harvard and $24,076 per year at Central Florida.
What SAT score do you need for Harvard or Central Florida?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Harvard and 1260 at Central Florida; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Harvard or Central Florida?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #1 for Harvard vs #401-500 for Central Florida.
Which university offers more financial aid - Harvard or Central Florida?
The average aid package is $74,387 at Harvard and $11,814 at Central Florida.
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