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