Rhode island 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 72.2% acceptance). Central florida ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #401-500). Rhode island graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $58K). Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $37,146 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 Rhode island 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 72.2% acceptance); Central florida has a higher median SAT (1269 vs 1160).
Rhode island graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $58K); Central florida has a higher 6-year graduation rate (78% vs 73.3%).
Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $37,146); Rhode island offers a larger average aid package ($17,388 vs $11,814).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rhode island | Central florida |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 33.5% |
| Median SAT | 1160 | 1269 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.60 | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 26,987 | 55,135 |
| International students | 3% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $58K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $51K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $86K |
| Graduation rate | 73.3% | 78% |
| Retention rate | 83.6% | 92.3% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $18,190 |
| Tuition · year | $37,146 | $22,467 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,388 | $11,814 |
| % of need met | 60% | 65% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $40,247 | $20,529 |
| Application fee | $65 | $30 |
| Enrollment | 17,649 | 69,338 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rhode island or Central florida?
It's harder to get into Central florida. Rhode island accepts 72.2% of applicants, while Central florida accepts 40.1%.
Do Rhode island or Central florida graduates earn more?
Rhode island graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $70K vs $58K.
How much is tuition at Rhode island vs Central florida?
Sticker-price tuition is $37,146 per year at Rhode island and $22,467 per year at Central florida.
What SAT score do you need for Rhode island or Central florida?
The median admitted SAT score is 1160 at Rhode island and 1269 at Central florida; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rhode island or Central florida?
Central florida ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Rhode island vs #401-500 for Central florida.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rhode island or Central florida?
The average aid package is $17,388 at Rhode island and $11,814 at Central florida.
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